Liquidating all press photos,please see ebay stuff to see what might be left.
American Motors
Press Release Photos,
Posters & Press Kits
These photos you will not find
anyplace else and are from my archives dating back into 1970s. Some are from
legendary author, historian, and friend John Conde, who was head of Public Relations for
American Motors for 32 years. Many negatives and photos were thrown away, and he had sense
enough to dig them out of the trash, and make them available to AMC fans decades later. If
you do not know who he is, I HIGHLY SUGGEST buy one of his awesome books like The American
Motors Family Album, which will be the best AMC book you will ever own historical/photo
wise. Sadly, we lost John Conde in 2008. God Bless you John, I am humbled and honored
to have been your friend.
The photos are great to frame and hang in your office, game room,
garage, warehouse, dorm, or even display with your classic AMC at car shows and cruise
nights!
$2.50 shipping for up to SIX photos (US destinations) via First Class USPS with
cardboard insert. Press Kits sent via Priority Mail in US, USPS First Class International
flat reinforced envelope to Canada and overseas. **I also buy AMC factory photos**.
=======
Please note all of these are
quality reproductions printed on Kodak or Fujifilm paper; made from
original prints and negatives:
All come with a unconditional 100% money back guarantee.
A few signed (autographed) photos are authentic,
and were signed, in person, by that person at a Dealership promotion in the 1970s or I
asked them to sign it at a vintage car meet, NASCAR event, race or other automotive
related event since 1977. Several are "dealer giveaways" that is, actual dealer
promotional photos. Others, my father, the late Homer Thomas Stakes, proudly worked for
American Motors for 18 years, and would drag me to meets, events, races. Sometimes
standing in lines for hours I may add to get "our heroes" autographs, fighting
off fatigue, cold, heat, rain, mosquitoes, swap meet sausage and cotton candy, annoying
too loud music on bad speaker systems, but all worth it. These are copies of my tired
originals. I am extremely fortunate to have about one
dozen Autographed AMC Photos out of the hundreds I stock. And I am
extremely honored that I got to meet these Legends Of AMC Racing!
============
AMC PRESS KITS
1970 Rebel Machine
1973 Maskins & Kanners
1974 Wally Booth
========================================================
AMC POSTERS
Mission AMX Playboy $10
size 20 1/2" x 16 1/2"
Peter Max Collectors AMX $10
size 15 1/2" x 24 x 1/4"
The AMX At Nurburgring $10
size 18" x 23"
The AMX At Elkhart Lake $10
size 18" x 23"
The AMX At Monte Carlo $10
size 18" x 23"
Original Ad for above 3 posters!
Dave Marcis NASCAR
Matador $5
size 14" x 11"
AMC Trans Am Javelin X-Ray Mark Donohue $10
AMX Hot Wheels poster $10
Email me your selections for a paypal invoice!
AMC PRESS PHOTOS
(order by number)
(0) 1902 Rambler in American Motors HQ in Detroit. note the Kelvinator fridge next to the display. Look closely to see the car, and mannequins are 3D type cutouts. The fridge & teletypes on right are real.
(1) 1902 Rambler Texas Governor Beauford Jester Texas' Governor Beauford Jester takes a ride on a original 1902 Rambler at famous P. K. Williams, Austin, Texas dealership on Congress street right down the road from the Capitol....in 1949. Governor Jester served from 1947-1949, the photo is 1949. Gov Jester is the only Texas Governor to die in office sadly, from heart attack, hope it wasn't from this Rambler ride if you look at his face as he is the one at the 'controls' (no steering wheel on the 02 Rambler).
(2) 1946 Nash Showroom. A new Nash sits on showroom floor of P. K. Williams Nash Dealership in Austin, Texas circa 1946. Note Conoco, Missouri Pacific & Southern Pacific rail in background, along with bar, and inside deer mounted head, LIFE magazine, water cooler, & desk.
(3) 1946 Nash Woodie showroom floor. Great looking side photo of P. K. Williams Nash Dealership in Austin, Texas circa 1946...shows a beautiful "woodie" on showroom floor. Service sign and Ambador neon in large showroom windows.
(4) 1946 Williams Conoco/Nash Dealership.
Side view of a solemn P. K. Williams standing next to his Nash Dealership below Conoco
sign. Tires, batteries, radios & accessories in big glass window clearly visible,
along with Nash photos, banners and ads.
(5) 1946 Nash 600 FREE Disabled American Veterans giveaway car. IS THIS NASH YOURS? proclaims the sign on the trailer. To be given away Monday, December 23, 1946 at the Cinderella Club....the new vehicle was donated by legendary Nash dealer P. K. Williams to the local DAV.
(6) 1946 Nash 600 WINNERS. This Nash 600 is yours!! Ok, the young man & woman in front are the ones who had the winning ticket of the Nash 600 giveaway at the Cinderella club above photo. I do not know their names, nor the gentleman between P. K. Williams on right. Bet they won this on a 10 cent ticket.
(7) 1946 Nash Dealership P. K. Williams "Main Drag" A flurry
of activity on Austin's main drag, Congress Street in front and inside the P. K. Williams
Nash dealership. Note the "NASH" neon sign on the front. This dealership also
used General Tire and was a Texaco gas station, they did it all and was one of the larger
volume Nash dealerships in Texas. I have always thought it had to do with them selling
"Statesmen" vehicles to our Texas "Statesmen" on Congress Street in
Austin. Maybe it had to do with the Austin Texas newspaper Austin American Statesmen....
(8) 1946 Nash dealership mystery
photo No mystery about it except P. K. Williams would cover up all the big plate
glass windows with cardboard in anticipation of the NEW models coming in. Tease the
public....All the signs say COMING SOON! but only make one curious as to what the NEW
Nashes will look like. I have other photos of when the signs came down and the night party
grand opening was on. But this is always intrigued me, as American Motors also used this
same trick, usually in September. Why? The new models usually began production in August,
arriving in dealerships in mid September!
(9) 1946 Nash dealership
General Tire Missouri Pacific Texaco A great across Congress Street shot of
the P K. William Nash dealership in 1946. They also sold Texaco gasoline (far right) but
clearly visible is the General Tire sign and also in background was the Missouri Pacific
rail line. A bevy of 1940s vehicles are on the left if photo, and several brand new models
inside!
(10) 1947 P. K. Williams Dealership; Business Coupe & Woodie, beautiful night photo showing illuminated showroom from Congress Street, Austin, Texas.
(11) 1947 Nash Picnic! What better way to enjoy a beautiful day than in
your new Nash. Junior is fixing to go fishing while dad is trying to get mom buzzed so he
can see just how well that famous Nash "BED" works inside the car, seen in the
background. This awesome photo is one of my best sellers, and not because many of us were
conceived in the back seat, or, bed, of a Nash. Note the gun leaning up against the car, I
believe they are in Louisiana, as them Cajuns are known to shoot fish.
(12) 1947 Nash Dealership Drum meeting . All the major Nash dealers
were crowded into a room, given drums, and told to beat them on cue according to the widow
of the owner of the dealership I would later buy out in the 90s, P. K. Williams on
Congress street in Austin, Texas. She indicated that she never knew why they rounded up
the dealers like this once a year, but spouses were invited, they just could not attend
the meetings, not that they would want to be in there with all those drums and Cuban
cigars. Not sure if that is a pitcher of ice water on the middle of the table or a pitcher
of Stoli. P. K. Williams was one of the highest volume Nash dealers in Texas. He would
morph into Rambler then AMC before closing. He is pictured directly below the
"H" in the "Sell Nash" banner on the back wall. Ironically, AMC
President William V. Luneberg would later say in 1971: "We want to be recognized as a
company that marches to the beat of it's own drums;" when he was describing AMCs
'philosophy of difference'.
(13) 1947 Nash Disabled Veterans Giveaway Raffle car. Really nice photo
of our nation's veterans selling raffle tickets to a brand new Nash automobile in the late
1940s. The sign reads "is this Nash yours?" the car was donated by longtime Nash
dealership P. K. Williams of Congress street in Austin, Texas. God Bless our great
nation's veterans.
(14) 1947 Nash Ambassador Twin Beds Bob Hope
This was a specially built Nash Ambassador '47 for shows and events. There was no
passenger side door, it was to specifically 'sell' the unique Nash feature of TWIN BEDS
that could sleep 3-4 people inside the vehicle. So it was a big draw at shows, which in
turn, would translate into Nash sales. In this rare photo, the late, great comedian Bob
Hope is checking out the interior, and chances are cracking a few jokes, we miss &
love you Bob! The fellow on the far right and far left are as yet (by me) unidentified.
Look closely, that passenger side area is sealed shut, and has plexiglas over it! We miss
your service to the USO Bob.
(15) 1949 Nash Airflyte Mystery Alan Funt Candid Camera...not uncommon for dealerships to build momentum for "new" models by papering over big dealership showroom windows like this. P. K. Williams Nash in Austin, Texas was totally covered up before the big night opening showcasing the 1949 Nash lineup. Note Candid Camera's Alan Funt on funny poster.
(16) 1949 Airflyte side view Austin Texas P. K. Williams Great looking side view of night time grand opening, unveiling, of the all new 1949 Nash at P. K. Williams Nash Dealership on Congress avenue in September 1948. The wall of secrecy, papered big glass windows, had come down, now was time to party and sell some Nashes, see other photos below for covered up windows.
(17) 1949 Nash Airflite, grand opening night, P. K. Williams
dealership, Commerce Street, Austin, Texas. The dealership had been closed up with huge
paper over the windows for weeks to build anticipation of the new Nash models!
(18) 1949 Nash Airflite Showroom! P. K. Williams had their dealership
windows covered for weeks in anticipation of their new Nash models, didn't want to give
the public a sneak peek. When the time was right they had a grand opening, of which a
number of the photos are shown here. This great looking night shot shows the monster Nash
on the showroom floor with a buzz of activity in the dealership!
(19) 1949 Nash garage opening. When the doors of P. K. Williams Nash dealership opened, the posters all down, a large crowd gathered to come see the new Nashes including 600, Statesmen and Ambassadors. The Service area had been cleaned up and new cars placed in it, note mechanic bins and tool areas, banners, flowers, and of course, new Nash models for 1949!
(20) 1950 Nash Showroom: Midnight on
Congress Street A wonderful photo, timeless as it is captivating. This photo was
taken around midnight on congress street in Austin, Texas in the Summer. Not only was the
dealership lit up to capture attention from passers by, note how clean it was. P. K.
Willams Nash. I have a few day...and night photos of this wonderful dealership I bought
the archives out, this is one of 5 of my favorites.
(21) 1950 Santa Display Merry Christmas from P. K Williams...we do things big here in Texas so have two Santas. Photo circa 1950 of P. K. Williams Nash Rambler dealership in Austin, Texas at Christmas time!
(22) 1950 P. K. Williams Nash Dealership Texaco station, Commerce
Street, Austin, TX. A stunning night photo. My uncle Buster owned a Conoco Station in
Corpus Christi, TX in the 60s and this is how it looked at night as they also sold new
cars. You look at this photo and it simply takes you back into another time, where people
trusted each other; the tire racks are left out, Coke machines, even a garage door open at
a late hour. This is one of my favorite photos.
(23) 1951 Nash Rambler
convertible Lois Lane from the Superman series in the early 1950s. Showroom facing
Commerce Street. P. K. Williams dealership, Austin, TX, circa September 1949. Striking not
only in the showroom scene but also on Commerce street downtown Austin behind and outside
the huge glass panes with lots of old cars, the Travis Hotel, pubs and such showing life
in Austin over 1/2 a century ago! Nash sponsored the Superman tv series in early 1950s and
you can watch some episodes on youtube, and Lois would drive this same Nash Rambler
convertible while Clark Kent drove a Nash Healey.
(24) 1951 Nash Healey with model This photoshows the new 1951 Nash with
models....man behind the wheel, lady outside. Comes with acopy of my Austin American
Statesmen press write up letting people know they can come the 'P. K. Williams Nash
Dealership, 200 Congress Avenue (Austin, Texas, from the Austin American Statesman
newspaper) to view the new 'sports car'.
(25) 1952 Nash Healey new sports car, FIRST ONE IN TEXAS! Nash Healey
AMC Rambler First One in Texas Showroom LISTED1952 Nash Healey new sports car, FIRST ONE
IN TEXAS! Proclaims the huge banner with the new Nash roadster in the showroom. P. K.
Williams dealerships, downtown Austin, TX. on Congress Street September 1952. A flyboy
bought this car, which was also used in a Parade at the Texas State Fair in Dallas! Note
the huge amount of crickets at the bottom of the showroom window. Here in The Great State
of Texas, several times a year we have these cricket outbreaks, sometimes so many even
freeway overpasses are shut down due to a carpet of them! Comes with a copy of the old
faded Austin American Statesman newspaper clipping
(26) 1952 Nash Healey New Owner! I have the original newspaper article
from the Austin American Statesman dated Friday, Oct 3, 1952. (That does not go with the
photo, sorry) here is what it states: SPEED TO BURN: This custom built 1952 Nash Healey
car was delivered to Technical Sergeant S. R. Baty of Bergstrom Field by the P. K.
Williams Nash Company. Sgt. Baty and Mrs Baty are seated in the car preparatory to driving
away as Williams looks on. The car, capable of 144 miles per hour, will lead the parade in
Dallas Saturday as the State Fair of Texas is opened. Senator Lyndon B. Johnson will be a
passenger." The other yellowed newspaper article reads: "Thurs Sept. 18, 1952:
FIRST SHOWING; Nash motors fast new Nash Healey sports car will be placed on display for
the first time Thursday at P. K. Williams Nash Company, 200 Congress Avenue. The new car
has a estimated speed of 125+ mile a hour and is powered by the new "Dual
Jetfire" Ambassador engine. The car stands only 38 inches from road to hood top,
weighs 2600 pounds, and has a wheel base of 102 inches, a overall length of 170 inches,
and a width of 66 inches. The front grill follows the design of the familiar Nash
"Airflite" chrome barred racing scoop".
(27) 1952 Nash Healey New Owner II/Seals With A Handshake! P. K.
Williams proudly shakes the hand of our serviceman as he fixes to take delivery of his new
Nash Healey! See story above! Sold Out.
(28) 1952 Marilyn Monroe Grand Marshall Nash From the P. K. Williams
Nash dealership, Austin, Texas is a rather rare photo of the beautiful Marilyn Monroe as
Grand Marshall in a Miss America parade sitting in back of a opened top Nash Ambassador.
On back is scribbled, and barely legible, 1952, Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ. The photo is
roughly 9 1/2 x 7 and has some stains in upper corner.
(29) 1952 Marilyn Monroe Grand Marshall Parade wave. Same parade as above, except view of the big Nash and Marilyn waves to throngs of fans on the parade route.
(30) 1952 Texas vs Notre Dame Nash! NBC Sports Director Bill Stern was a
ardent Nash promoter, and was always a welcome guest of P. K Williams. I would later buy
out P. K. Williams Austin, Texas dealership in the early 90s and ended up with lots of
wonderful photos. Usually P. K. would lend Bill a Nash for major games, like the Texas-SMU
game where Stern would park a Rambler on the field before 70,000 spectators according to
the dated yellow newspaper article with another photo. But this photo according to the
NASH NEWS states: "When Bill Stern, famous NBC Sports Reporter and Nash Owner,
arrived in Austin, Texas, to describe the University of Texas-Notre Dame football game
over a live nation wide hookup, he was welcomed by P. K. Williams, partner in P. K.
Williams Nash Company Austin Dealer who placed a car at his disposal for the duration of
his visit. Pictured with the courtesy car are (left to right) Bill Stern; P. K. Williams;
and Glenn Brown, local sports announcer.
(31) 1953 Nash Healey Roadster 1951 Nash with models....this photo shows
them both INSIDE the vehicle as opposed to her outside in other photo. Comes with a copy
of my Austin American Statesmen press write up letting people know they can come the 'P.
K. Williams Nash Dealership, 200 Congress Avenue (Austin, Texas, from the Austin American
Statesman newspaper) to view the new 'sports car' and it is capable of 125 MILES PER HOUR
and weighs only 2600 pounds!'
(32) 1953 Nash Healey Rangers Polo Game 1952 Nash
in polo setting. Comes with a copy of my Austin American Statesmen photo and press write
up from Thursday September 18th, 1952. Please note this photo has a vertical crease on
right side.
(33) 1953 Nash Ambassador
Canton Speedway Pace Car Beautiful and rare photo of a brand new 53 Nash Ambassador
Custom, which was used by Canton Speedway for their Pace Car!
(34) 1953 Nash "Free Gas For a Year!!". This Awesome 8X10
photo shows the new owners of a Nash in front of the dealership in 1953. P. K. Williams
was a Preston Tucker like figure, and I would have loved to meet him in his day. A real
showman and hog for press. From the Austin American Statesman newspaper that accompanied
the original photo, the yellowed paper has the original newspaper clipping with this photo
(the original 1953 newspaper article does not come with photo) but here is what it says:
Friday, July 3, 1953 The Austin American Statesman, Austin, Texas: BONUS RIDING-Mr. and
Mrs. Lon Alsup are shown taking delivery of a new 1953 Nash which is accompanied with an
order for a year's supply of gasoline. This is a special offer made by P. K. Williams Nash
Company as part of the observance of the firm's ninth anniversary in Austin. Left to right
are Alsup, Mrs. Alsup, and P. K. Williams, owner of this automobile firm.
(35) 1953 Nash Statesman
Miss America Colleen Hutchins Crowned just prior to the television era, Colleen
stood over six feet in heels, and was said to have stopped a basketball game at the
University of Pennsylvania by arriving late and walking down the sidelines. As a Miss
America contestant she was not only an accomplished athlete, but had already achieved a
undergraduate degree and was well on her way to earning a Masters Degree in Drama. After
Colleen's year of service as Miss America, she performed on Broadway and toured Europe.
She married, and her husband was a physician and a member of the New York Knicks. They
honeymooned at Queen Elizabeth's Coronation. The Hutchins made Wiesbaden, Germany, their
home for some time, developing lifelong friendships with many prominent Europeans. They
later settled in Bel Air, California, and raised four All American College and Olympic
athletes who are now accomplished professionals in their own right. Colleen and her family
have enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life, contributing to many social and community
causes. She now resides in Palm Springs, California, continuing to devote much energy to
her philanthropic objectives and enjoying the opportunity to guide her grandchildren in
their athletic and scholastic accomplishments. "Here She Is....Miss America....WITH A
NASH STATESMAN!" Of course that would stop traffic.
(36) 1953 Nash Rambler Ambassador
with Miss America Stunningly beautiful and over 6 feet Miss America 1952
Colleen Hutchins poses next to a brand new Nash Ambassador! "Crowned just prior to
the television era, Colleen stood over six feet in heels, and was said to have stopped a
basketball game at the University of Pennsylvania by arriving late and walking down the
sidelines. As a Miss America contestant she was not only an accomplished athlete, but had
already achieved a undergraduate degree and was well on her way to earning a Masters
Degree in Drama. After Colleen's year of service as Miss America, she performed on
Broadway and toured Europe. She married, and her husband was a physician and a member of
the New York Knicks. They honeymooned at Queen Elizabeth's Coronation. The Hutchins made
Wiesbaden, Germany, their home for some time, developing lifelong friendships with many
prominent Europeans. They later settled in Bel Air, California, and raised four All
American College and Olympic athletes who are now accomplished professionals in their own
right. Colleen and her family have enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life, contributing to
many social and community causes. She now resides in Palm Springs,
California, continuing to devote much energy to her philanthropic objectives and enjoying
the opportunity to guide her grandchildren in their athletic and scholastic
accomplishments."
(37) 1953 Ambassador w/ Miss
American 53 Colleen Hutchins. (Full photo). One of my favorite photos is of the
breathtakingly beautiful (and tall at 6'2"!!) Colleen Hutchins who was crowned Miss
America in 1952...standing next to a equally beautiful 53 Nash AMC Ambassador in this Nash
Press Photo.
(38) 1953 Nash Ambassador Country Club with beautiful model. Top of the line offering from Nash, traditional Nash photo with backlit interior, and heavy curtains in background taken in Kenosha studio.
(39) 57 Metropolitian Convertible Nash
Metropolitian convertible complete with pretty girl. The vehicle sports wide white walls,
continental kit and bumper guards. This is a copy of my almost disentrigrated original
print. There is a small stain in window if you look closely. There is a M1 at lower right
of photo from factory.
(40) 57 Metropolitian hardtop with Betty & Veronica on fence The photo shows a stunning little
Metropolitian with two pretty girls looking at the driver. Archie inside the Metro will
have to choose between Betty & Vernonica on the fence, don't think he can fit both in
the Met. The little Met sports a continental kit, wide white wall tires, and bumper
guards. Looks to have ram air!
(41) 1957 Rebel, America's FIRST MUSCLECAR; the fastest production car
for 1957 (sans the fuelie Vette) only 1500 of these gold and silver beauties made, very
few exist. I have only ever seen one of them, and that was at the 1998 AMC Nationals in
Kenosha.
(42) 58 Metropolitian hardtop front angle from the legendary P. K. Williams Nash dealership buyout, Austin,Texas.
This is a great looking front angle of the little Metro, showing it's "ram air"
scoop, also bumper guards, ultra wide white wall tires, and if you look closely,
continental kit. Looks like poor Betty will be 2nd place as Archie in the car chose
Veronica again.
(43) 59 Nash
Metropolitian convertible with bathing beauties. Excellent
"staged" shot of AMC's Nash Metropolitian convertible at a beach. A speedboat
was used to create the wake so girl on surfboard could 'catch a wave' I do not know how
many takes it took to get this photo, probably a few considering on the right the water is
as smooth as glass!
(44) 1959 Rambler Ambassador; beautiful top of the line finned 1959
Ambassador shown in front of rolling hill with mansion and good looking ladies!
(46) 1959 Mobil 1 Los Angeles to New York Cross
Country Rambler In front of American Motors headquarters
(note above the door etched is "I've Thought Of A Better Way: Kelvin") a
beautiful Cross Country Rambler station wagon prepares for the jounrney from coast to
coast. You can learn more about this neat run if you google 'mobil rambler cross
country'. Thomas J. Coupe, who was head of Public Relations for AMC in late
50s/early 60s stands outside the car, while inside is legendary Leslie Viland who drove
many a "Economy Run" cars for American Motors.
(47) 1959 Rambler Custom Wagon with bathing beauties. Beached Rambler!
Beautiful Girls! Is that MADONNA??? You don't get any better than this.
(48) 1959 Rambler SouthWestern Bell Fleet Vehicle P. K.
Williams Nash & Rambler dealership, Commerce Street, Austin, TX. New Rambler is a
Southwestern Bell Fleet vehicle, inside showroom has a Ambassador and Metropolitian! Free
gas when you buy a Rambler here, this is a great front angled view of the dealership with
cars inside the showroom behind this fleet vehicle clearly visible. Note wonderful signs
in the window: FREE GASOLINE good anyplace in the US when you buy a new American or
Metropolitian! A banner reads: "Get on the Rambler Bandwagon and save!" and of
course there is a "Nash Service" neon sign lit up in center glass. The Texas
license plate appears to be from 1959.
(49) 1964 Rambler Ambassador
in showroom Barton Motors, Staunton, VA. I have another showroom photo of same
without the car. Barton Motors was owned and operated by my friend Linn Barton, a third
generation Nash, Rambler & AMC family dealership!
(50) 1964 Rambler Typhoon with 7 page Press Release: The car that the
press release lives in infamy about how 'the only race we care about is the human race'
then AMC would do a 360 and crank out performance models like AMX, Javelin &
SC/Rambler only a few years after saying they frowned upon performance (read: muscle
cars!!) in the memo. A copy of the five page memo comes with photo!
(51) 1964 Rambler Tarpon Prototype.
(52) 1965 Classic in a American Motors Rambler car lot. This is how
they appeared in the mid 1960s. Note the "Rambler Select Used Cars" sign in the
background, flags blowing in the wind, streetlamp is a old style type. The salesman
leaning on the vehicle talking to the pretty red headed lady sitting in the Rambler
Classic two door wants to make a sale! In the background left to right is a red 67 Rebel,
a year unknown light blue Marlin, just over the rear glass of the red Classic the lady is
sitting in is a gold Rambler, possibly a rogue or American, and immediately behind that is
a light yellow early 60s Rambler, about 8 cars in the photo at this Rambler Dealership!
The photo is 7X10, not 8X10. What is unusual is it is COLOR, so all the neat cars,
shadows, salesmans hat, roof across the street, everything jumps out at you. For you AMC
and Rambler fans who were familiar with AMC car lots, this photo takes you back into
another time. I grew up at AMC & Rambler dealerships as my father, Homer T. Stakes Sr.
worked for AMC in Corpus Christi, for many years.
(100) 1965 AMX Tangerine; Built in 1965, first shown in January 1966.
This is a extremely early photo of the car at a quiet moment in a closed auto show after
hours in Detroit. The car is wearing Candy Apple Red. However this special DINOC paint
appeared orange in different lights or shadows, such as this photo looks like it is
Tangerine. A color shifting paint in 1965! The same car would later be painted a metallic
blue as seen below.
(101) 1965-66 AMX prototype CLAY, November 1965. Concept AMX made out of
clay. It was covered with a 1960s film called Di-noc and painted gold. This photo shows it
at AMC's Design Studios in November 1965. It would later appear in
fiberglass and was painted a light blue/silver. As it evolved, it would then have gas
filler caps added on both side, and color would change from blue/silver to tangerine,
officially candy apple pearl red, which was a unusual color shifting paint, and changed
colors with the lighting and shadows! A 290V8, complete interior, full length
console, buckets, basically a new car was quickly finished for the New York Auto Show in
June 1966.
(102) 1965-66 AMC AMX (some call it the AMX One) prototype. SIDE. The "real"
AMX 1 STILL EXISTS and is in a friend's private collection in Canada, along with the real
AMX II and several other one of a kind AMCs. That in itself is quite a feat as many AMC
prototypes were commonly destroyed by AMC after auto shows. Photo is 5X10.
(103) 1965-66 AMC AMX Prototype BLUE. This photo is from early 1967 and
shows the car in METALLIC BLUE. The car was painted TANGERINE first by AMC for the Auto
Show circuit; then later would be blue. Look closely at AMC's display. Then look around it
before this show opened: there is a GTX on the right, along with a Barracuda in the
background. Also is a Ford, possibly Model A. Behind AMC's display is some Hot Rods. And
yes, that is a Corvette split window coupe on a pole behind it.
(104) 1965-66 AMX prototype/Daytona 500 on centerfield at the Daytona 500 summer of 1966. Rare, seldom seen photo of the Vignale AMX (AMX-1) after the New York Auto Show in 26 June 1966. Band in background is unknown. Photo for shareholders.
(105) 1966 American USCA challenge Economy Run, the driver was Leslie Viland & co-driver Tommy Thomas in 1967 as AMC won the economy run. In the "run" from Los Angeles to Detroit, the Rambler was averaging 23+ MPG. The MPG decal is not on car as it was not official yet. The gentlemen are unknown. You can see AMC's original films of the runs, and eventual ads for the new $1836.00 Rambler on youtube by searching '67 AMC Rambler Economy Run'.
(106) 1967 U. S. Mail Postal Ambassador Fleet
Car. One of the hundreds of new
Ambassador fleet vehicles the U S Government ordered from American Motors in 1966; many of
these were right hand drive while others were regular left hand drive. The engine
designations ranged from 232-6 for mostly rural routes, to 290 & 343 Typhoons for
supervisors.
(107) 1965-67 Marlin American Motors press photo showing the beautiful
lines from above of the Rambler Marlin. I believe this is a 65, possibly 66, as it has the
old style V8 engine size on rear and also "R" spinner center caps, which were
later discontinued due to Fed regulations. The car also appears to have the rare
Vibratone, with the dual speakers seen in back glass. 7x10
(108) 1967 Grant Rebel SST launching AMC had done a about face from just months earlier with the Typhoon, and now were tossing their hats into the horsepower ring, and sponsoring different teams...and drivers. This Rebel was turning 9 second 1/4 mile times in 1967, and AMC with the likes of Hayden Proffitt...had served notice. Photo has small border.
(109) AMC 67 Grant Rambler Rebel SST Funny Car at Irwindale Hayden
Proffitt's formidable Funny Car Rambler Rebel SST in 1967 at Irwindale. Powered by Grant
Industries, this was the National Speed Record Holder! What was he running in 1967? A
factory 343 Typhoon engine that was bored out to 443 CID and with a Supercharger was 1200
HORSEPOWER @ 9000RPM. So rather rare to see this Rebel, then the 68 Grant Rebel sitting
still, much less with both front wheels on the ground. 7x10
(110) 1967 Rebel SST Convertible, 343V8. *RARE COLOR* photo of the new look intermediate Rebel ragtop! Only 1686 were built! Good looking model. AMC's new "MOD" look for 1967.
(111) 1968 Grant Rebel SST Hayden Proffitt Funny Car X-Ray American
Motors 1968 Rebel SST Funny Car by Grant Industries was a huge draw in the 1960s, driven
by legendary Hayden Proffitt. This wheelstanding monster was rewriting record books across
the US. This is a odd cutaway 6 x10 photo of the Grant Rebel SST Funny Car showing engine,
rollbar, tube frame, headers, even driver.
(112) 1968 Javelin AMC's all new ponycar! The timeless Javelin! This photo shows AMC's new pride and joy. Note the mag styled hubcaps. The car was a 343V8 Typhoon, loaded. License plate reads '68 Javelin'. The caption on the bottom shows: FOR P.M. RELEASE, TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1967. "American Motors' new entry in the sporty car field is the sleek, low profiled Javelin hardtop, available in two versions, standard and the SST model shown. Exceptionally roomy inside with full, four passenger seating, the Javelin's classic appearance is enhanced by the fast angle windshield, narrow, dual pin stripes that follow the graceful body contours, and twin Venturi grille. American Motors Corporation, Detroit, Michigan, 48232.
(113) 1968 Javelin LOOK Magazine/Jim Nabors CBS Show; beautiful 1968 Javelin (August 1967) color photo used for the LOOK Magazine photo shoot to coincide with the Jim Nabors CBS comedy show. Red on red SST, 343V8, redlines, duals, timeless photo from original negative, complete with imperfections (tiny black lines)!
(114) 1968 Rebel SST LOOK Magazine/Jim Nabors CBS Show; beautiful 1968 Rebel SST (August 1967) color photo used for the LOOK Magazine photo shoot to coincide with the Jim Nabors CBS comedy show. Appears to be Scrab Gold, white top, 343V8, redlines, Turbocast covers, factory dash mounted tachometer, a timeless photo from original negative, complete with imperfections (tiny black lines)!
(115) 1968 Javelin LOOK magazine/Jim Nabors cover; AMC's Marketing Department put together a series of photos of how their new Javelin would look on the cover, and television in September 1967. The LOOK cover photo here shows a moving red, 68 Javelin photo on a LOOK cover. It was never used on a LOOK cover, but was used in subsequent LOOK advertising, this is Marketing's rough draft.
(116) 1968 Javelin Jim Nabors/LOOK Magazine television photo. AMC's Marketing Department photo of hand drawn, crude, 'television' with new 1968 Javelin (late August 1967) in the middle to illustrate what AMC's their ad would look like on television during the Jim Nabors comedy hour. The Javelin is NOT, right hand drive, the photo marketing used was inserted into the television backwards, note the backwards license plate, and driver on right side. This red 68 Javelin sports rare spinner hubcaps, and the large upper white Go Pack stripe, it was not same Matador Red Javelin used for earlier LOOK & Jim Neighbors stills.
(117) 1968 Javelin & 1968 Rebel press release photo
Great looking twin photo of the all NEW 1968 Javelin and the hot selling 68 Rebel, this
one in a two door hardtop! The Javelin RELEASE DATE is Aug 22, 1967 while the Rebel is Aug
27, 1967. Production began on all 1968 AMCs on Aug 1st 1967, with the first new models
appearing in excited dealer showrooms September 14th-16th, 1967. The Javelin alone saw
55124 models sold in the calander year, while the Rebel had sales of 21673 two doors, not
counting convertibles, four door and wagons!
(118) 1968 AMX X-ray...rare cut away view of American Motors new two seater; this particular photo was given to shareholders and dealers alike.
(119) 1968 Team AMX SCCA One of the rarest AMX
photos you will ever see is this one of the Team AMX SCCA
Race Team. Somewhere in my vast photo collection is another photo showing
the whole team, of which 3 men are unidentified. however, this was the crux of the team
itself and in COLOR. The tall skinny fellow on the left is James Alexander, Team Manager.
In the middle is legendary Ike Knupp. To the right is Phil Toney. The AMX did
great winning the Central Division Championship and finishing second at the National
runoffs at Daytona! Look closely....the powerful 68 AMX sports a 343
with no headrests, American Racing rims, Hurst mirrors (these bullet mirrors would be used
next year on the Hurst SC/Rambler).
(120) 1968 Craig Breedlove AMX Racing Team World Record holder in many land speed
categories, AMC hero drove his 'Spirit of America' jet car to a land speed record in 1965
of 600.601 MPH. At 26, he was first man to ever drive 400mph, at 27 first to go 500mph,
and at 28, first to go 600mph. AMC fans know him (and wife Lee) for shattering 109
national and international records in a new 1968 AMX however. Here is a nice color 7x9
photo of the legend Craig Breedlove wearing his AMC coveralls with the "AM AMX RACING
TEAM" patch on front in a pensive moment, probably thinking about going 1000mph.
(121) 1968 AMX Craig & Lee Breedlove,
Marshall, Texas Even before the
AMX was introduced it had already broken 106 national and international speed records at
the hands of Craig & wife Lee, Breedlove. One was a 290, the other a 390. Some
remarkable accomplishments: Class C average speed for 24 hours 140.790.mph; class B in
1000 kilometers standing/start the AMX averaged 156.548mph, and 75 mile flying standing
start it averaged a whopping 174.295mph. ***ALL** records in the books were broken by
Craig, Lee & the AMX from 25kilometers up to 5000 kilometers and from 1 hour up to 24
hours; along with standing to flying starts. Absolutely amazing. And in 1968. Here is a
black & white AMC Press Photo showing the #2 AMX; along with Craig & Lee in San
Angelo, Texas, where these records were shattered.
(122) 1968 AMX Breedlove Display Chicago O'Hare
Airport. After Craig & Lee Breedlove
shattered 106 national and international records with the new American Motors AMX...it was
time to show it off...And why not!!! AMC took both the Record Shattering AMXs on
tours....of US AIRPORTS. The exposure factor was huge. The original press release at the
time said it best: "Visitors to Chicago's O'Hare Airport now can get a close up view
of another type of "flying" machine. It is American Motors Corporation's new
AMX, a two place sports car, which recently smashed 106 American, national and
international speed records. The car was driven by Craig Breedlove, World Land Speed
Record Holder, and his wife, Lee, holder of the Women's Land Speed mark." Note the
platform, metal stanchions, massive 'AMX 390' background and crew racing team jacket hung
off to side, as you could fill out a raffle ticket passing thru airport and win a cool
jacket.
(123) 1968 AMX Breedlove Display Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Same great display as above put together by legendary Guy Hadsall Jr, except this display at Detroit, Michigan.
(124) 1968 AMX Breedlove (FRONT ANGLE)
Display Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Note TWA & Same great display as above put together by legendary Guy
Hadsall Jr, except this display at Detroit, Michigan.
(125) 1968 Javelin AMC's new ponycar: COLOR. This mailer was sent to
prospective buyers in August 1967.
(126) 1968 NASCAR Racecar Jim Paschal A veteran of 22 years of racing; Jim lives in High Point, NC. His first race was with his dad's 46 Ford at the old Charlotte Dirt track. Formerly a top mechanic, Jim started Grand National racing in 1949, the year the circuit started! Paschal's career has spanned every era of stock car racing-from the modified days of the bull rings right up thru the super speedways. NASCAR records show Jim has won 21 races. His biggest win came in 1964 when he drove a Petty Plymouth to victory in the World 600 at Charlotte; the longest race on the NASCAR trail. He won it again in 1966. At the time, Jim had driver 49,997 miles in 324 races and had won $257,393 in prize money. (1968). This photo is of him in the new 68 Javelin he was racing for the Huggins Javelin racing Team on the NASCAR Grand Touring Circuit.
(127) 1968 AMX Commercial Proof/Stills: American Motors Press Release
photo shows a series
of still shots, 12 in all, from the filming of a nationally broadcast television
commercial for AMC for their new two seat AMX back in late 1967/early 1968 before the AMX
would be formally introduced to public at Daytona. Was used on ABC, NBC and CBS. I do not
know of the location, chances are might have been the test track at Burlington, WI judging
from landscape!
(128) 1968 AMX LOOK magazine; close up view of the 'new' AMX for the LOOK magazine photo shoot in late December 1967. A teaser photo which shows close up of grille and emblem, nothing more, leaving the public guess. Has ghostly face in J trim smiling, I do not know if this was supposed to be in the photo but adds to the mystique of AMC's marketing. Photo from original negative.
(129) 1968 AMC AMX SILVER photo! With 7 page memo! The car is a base model AMX, note the 290 emblems
and factory stock hubcaps, and no stripes, non Go Pack. Beautiful photo.
(130) 1968 Rebel Convertible
SST *RARE COLOR* photo of the LAST YEAR FOR ANY AMC CONVERTIBLE Series, only 823
built. I own the documented heaviest optioned one off the assembly line with a staggering
38 options. Base price was $2995, as optioned mine was a whopping $4500, you could have
bought a Hemi Mopar! Here is a wonderful studio shot of the Rebel, good looking girl in
bikini included. There are LESS THAN 100 1968 Rebel convertibles known to still
exist.
(131) 1968 AMX RED
Daytona Introduction/with 7 page Press Release! For PM Release Thursday, February 15, 1968. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. Feb 15th.
American Motors Corporation today demonstrated the new AMX, a racy two place sports coupe
with many of the design charistics of a high performance sports car. More than 100 newsmen
from throughout the United states and Canada saw the car, which was conceived asa unique
addition to the expanding field of personal cars. A team of professional racing drivers
took the AMX around Daytona Speedway at over 130 MPH+ speeds to demonstrate its
performance and handling capabilities. A stunning, almost 3D photo of a red 1968 early
production AMX.
(132) 1968 AMC AMX Dick
Teague's custom BIG BAD! You can see this legendary designers personal tastes on
this monster as it sports a solid white (bumpers painted; this would be used for the 69
Big Bad Colored cars!) paint job, fog lights in grill, 390 emblems on the fenders, gas
tank filler cap on the 1/4 panel (like some Chargers) front spoiler, and Trendsetter side
exhausts. The AMC building behind it has the quote in stone: : "I've thought of a
better way--Kelvin"
(133) 1968 AMC AMX GT.
One of a kind *COLOR PHOTO* this awesome car was built for the New York Auto Show. It has
a AMX front clip, and a Gremlin rear end and custom red, white & blue paint. Sadly it
was destroyed after the auto show, and few photos of it exist!
(134) 1968 AMC PINK AMX Angela Dorian With
Memo. (Victoria Vetri) Playboy Playmate of the Year receiving her keys to her new
(and one of a handful, 9-15 painted PINK from the factory, the AMX dash serial had her
size of AMX #362335 on the dash) the gentleman giving her the keys is Vice President of
Marketing R. W. MeNealy. I was so impressed with this photo I went to ebay and bought the
original Playboy book she appeared in. She is a stunning woman. And I may add that she
still owns the AMX, which is now painted black, and is just as beautiful as when this
photo was shot in 1968. There is a national fan club for her also. November 67 is the
issue. See Mission
AMX on my site for more.
*In 2010, Angela Dorian tried to kill boyfriend and was booked into
LA County Jail on attempted murder charge.
(135) 1968 Pink AMC AMX Victoria Vetri Angela Dorian Playmate of the Year. The newly crowned Playboy Playmate of the Year sits in one of the "Playmate Pink" American Motors AMXs produced and distributed in the US for Playboy VIP Clubs. Beautiful Angela Dorian would later turn her 'screen name' to Victoria Vetri and was awarded a BRAND NEW Pink AMX for being chosen by Playboy readers as Playmate Of The Year 1968. Here is Angela sitting behind the wheel of one of the VIP Club's pink AMXs while she toured the country.
(136) 1968 Javelin/100 Field Of Dreams. AMC was kicking some serious ASS in 1968 Trans Am racing.
Drivers Peter Revson & George Follmer, Ron Kaplan Chief Engineer, Jim Jeffords Team
Manager for JAVELIN RACING TEAM, along with Carl Chakmakian former race car driver hisself
made Javelin a force to contend with. The Javelins were using a 304V8 in 68, a modified
version of the 290V8, and pulling over 400hp which could do a whopping 160mph in the
straights to a slow 25mph in the turns! This particular shows the Illinois Zone Office,
which come race day at the track, had gathered 100 Dealers....and Javelins....for the
race! Rows upon rows of brand new spanking shiny Javelins drew crowds all day. You will
never see 100 Javelins all together like this, even at any national meet. You can read the
original Press article, along with several Pace Car photos in my AMC DEALERSHIP
file near top.
(137) 1968 Generation Gap Hurst Javelin. The Generation Gap Javelin was the full blown Javelin that appeared in several ads and commercials in 68-69. Wearing original Michigan plates from 1969 it is flanked by a beautiful blonde model in bellbottoms. Goodyears on American Racing Mags stick out and if you look closely, there is a huge exhaust that pops out right before rear wheel. It has Hurst mirrors like SC/Rambler and Olds because it was PREPARED by Hurst. The 'Generation Gap Javelin' also had racing interior, and stunning candy tangerine paint, similar to the AMX 1 prototype. The side of it (also few have ever seen) has graphics of 'BUTCHERED?? It's a GREAT CAR dad! I only made it BETTER!' The engine was a souped up AMX 390V8 and the Supercharger was compliments of Hurst. The Javelin was street legal. The Javelin was given away to the ICAS champion of the Critt-Co tour winner in 1970 and never seen since.
(138) 1968 AMC Rebel Grant Funny Car Hayden Proffitt AMC upped the ante
with their 68 Rebel, dropping the 'Rambler' moniker and with Legendary Hayden Proffitt
still behind the wheel, the ET's now dropped into the EIGHTS with this record setting,
crowd pleasing 343 Typhoon pushing1200 HORSEPOWER @ 9000RPM. And the Rebel now wore AMC's
Corporate colors of red, white and blue. 7x10
(139) 1968 AMC Javelin Super Stock Stratford Rambler Dealership sponsored "The Chucker" Harold Epstein's Super Stock "The Chucker" AMC Javelin 390 turning 12's in 1968 on east coast. Which was on the national record at the time. Sponsored by Stratford Rambler. In 1968 won Super Stock Eliminator in SS/F Class with a 12.17 @ 117mph.
========================
1969 Stolen AMX Exclusive photos This altered 1969
AMX was customized in AMC's skunkworks. It is my understanding that the car was totalled
out from behind at AMC's Burlington Test Track. Instead of stripping it & scrapping
it, several worked decided to customize it with a Rambler Rogue rear end. The project
manager is shown in one photo on the left of car with crew that worked on this
project. There are no known front angles of this car known to exist. The project
manager and employees shown are unknown. The car was stolen off the streets of Kenosha
Wisconsin and has never been seen again, one of American Motors biggest mysteries in
storied past. Exclusive one of a kind photos...these are ONLY KNOWN photos to exist of
this vehicle.
(140) Photo #1: Stolen AMX
with Project Manager & whole crew.
(141) Photo #2 Stolen
AMX rear showing great custom work, note Manufacturer plates
(142) Photo #3 Stolen
AMX with two of the crew members who worked on this project
(143) Photo #4 Stolen
AMX driver side 1/4 rear view
(144) Photo #5 Stolen AMX passenger side 1/4 rear
view
===========================================
(145) 1969 AMX & Javelin
press release photo Great looking black and white press release photo of the hot
selling Javelin and beautiful AMX. Note 'new' changes featured like 'large face 0-8000RPM
tachometer' and 'leather seats' are also highlighted here! The RELEASE DATE for the
Javelin is September 4th, 1968 and the AMX is September 9 1968. (production began Aug 1st,
68 for the 69 models)
(146) 1969 AMX press release photo at racetrack color. It's generally
agreed that this was legendary & beautiful Lee Breedlove behind the wheel of this
iconic 1969 Bittersweet Orange AMX for this press photos, which was distributed to
dealers.
(147) 1969 Hurst SC/Rambler with memo. The little Hurst SC/Rambler would
make it's debut at the Chicago Auto Show March 8 thru 16th, 1969. The Rambler would be
built at Kenosha with on-site modifications by Hurst. Weighing in at 3160 pounds, and
suggested retail price of $2998, this beast would turn a 1/4 mile at 14.3 off the showroom
floor. AM's Vice President of Marketing mentions in the 2 page memo "The SC/Rambler
is the ideal vehicle for the motorist who wants better than average performance and also a
car that is uniquely different from 70 million others on the streets today." That was
true in 1969....and true now. The photo is almost surreal and breathtakingly clear of a
"A" paint SC/Rambler. The photo is 6x10 and full color and as with some American
Motors photos, has a light placed on the floor shining upwards to illuminate the
interior....in this case the steering wheel and red, white and blue headrests!
(148) 1969 Baja Hurst SC/Rambler With Memo. One of 12 made. 2 known to
exist. Possibly one of the most unusual photos I have is of one of the dozen Hurst
SC/Ramblers used for racing in the Mexican Baja race. Yes, these had the 390 AMX engine,
and were prepared by Hurst, but also modified heavily by Garner's AIR (American
International Racers) Team. Bumped from 315 to now 410 horsepower, AIR Team could blast
down the Baja at speeds as high as 140 miles per hour & 7000 RPM. While modified with
lift kits, front/rear springs, cut wheelwells, Goodyear 10x15 tires, roll cages, no glass
and 44 gallon fuel cells.....two of these special SC/Ramblers were modified to FOUR WHEEL
DRIVE chassis!
(149) 1969 Baja SC/Rambler AT SPEED American Motors Hurst SC/Rambler; 390 4x4 Baja; James Garner' s Air America (American International Racers) one of 10 SC/Rambler raced in the grueling 600 mile Baja race; this dusty photo shows one over 100 mph. Has 2 small stains above car. Photographer unknown. Great 'action' photo
(150) 1969 AMX Pike's Peak
Official Pace Car, with MEMO. June 29, 1969 American
Motors Press Release photo of the 1969 AMX Pace Car used for the Pike's Peak run June
29th, 1969. COME WITH TWO PAGE MEMO! Note base AMX here with non round ribbed mirror,
hubcaps, and 290V8 badge on the 1/4 panel.
(151) 1969 (& 68) Pikes Peak AMX
& Javelin parade thru mountains in show of support for the AMX, which was the Pikes Peak
Official Pace Car for the event June 29th, 1969. AMC Dealers shipped in numerous dealers
from US for this event, filling up Colorado hotels of which Pikes Peak AMXs were displayed
in lobbys, many as courtesy cars. This press photo would later appear in AMC's magazine
with details of the event.
(152) 1969 AMC Javelin in
Big Bad Orange *RARE COLOR* studio shot showing the "MOD" package for
1969: roof spoiler, twin non functional hood scoops, and simulated side exhausts! Few were
built, see production
codes for numbers on the Big Bad colors.
(153) 1969 AMC Javelin in Big Bad Blue AMC
took 65,000+ people on a psychedelic trip in their display at the Chicago Auto Show in 69.
In their "MOD, MOD, WORLD" a Big Bad Orange Javelin, complete with MOD package,
mini skirt wearing spokeswomen, strobe light flashing, neon colored walls, let you know
You Are Experienced. There were more than 50 orders taken for a special air conditioned
Rambler model at the exhibit. A AMC spokesman also lamented that over 25,000 AMX/2
drawings were given out, whihc exhausted their supply before show's end. The
"new" Big Bad colors: Orange, Green & Blue would appear starting Janauary
1969. It was a $34.00 extra fee on this option (see other auctions for Big Bad pix) for he
Javelin, however was free for the AMX. It was also a option in 69 for Rambler and Rebel,
including the Rebel Raider. The MOD package would live on for 70 AMX & Javelin as
would the Big Bad colors, which could also now be had on Rebel (inc. Machine), Hornet and
Gremlin.
(154) 1969 AMC AMX II
Bob Nixon's design, the AMX 2. While a roller, this stunning designed
prototype would later end up shoved up top a used car lot pole at Twin Pines Auto Sales in
PA. Yup, a advertising gimmick. Lucky for us AMCers it was brought down and is in a museum
now. This is a beautiful front and rear view of what AMC 'was thinking about' back then.
It would have been a rear engine vehicle.The "what ifs" question here has been
debated with AMC fans since 1968/9 with this one!
(155) 1969 Hurst Super
Stock AMX Drag On Lady #1 with driver Shirley Shahan working on the 10 second 1/4
mile 390 engine! PLANET HOUSTON EXCLUSIVE PHOTO YOU WILL NOT FIND ANYWHERE ELSE. Circa
1969 in Nevada.; this car still exists and sold for $40,000 in 1997 to a private collector
in Little Rock, Arkansas where so far as I know, remains today. Original photo
dispels two myths: One, she didn't work on her own car: she did, including the drag On
Lady Hornet & Gremlin versions, and two, note the wiper motor.
(156) 1969 Hurst Super Stock AMX Drag On lady #2 with Shirley Shahan
posing beside her factory sponsored car. Take a moment to imagine what it would have been
like being a woman kicking some serious Brand X asses in 1969 on the race circuit. A woman
running 9s and 10s demanding RESPECT. Shirley is still around, as is her husband H. L.
Shahan, although divorced, she appeared at the AMC Nationals signing autographs with other
AMC legends in 2002. THIS IS A PLANET HOUSTON EXCLUSIVE PHOTO.
(157) 1969 Hurst Super Stock AMX Drag On Lady Shirley Shahan sitting.
American Motors press photo of legendary (and fan favorite!!!) NHRA Drag On Lady Shirley
Shahan sitting in the driver's seat of her 1969 AMC/Hurst Super Stock AMX. She had just
been signed to campaign the formidable Hurst prepared Super Stock AMX by AMC and this
press photo from spring of 1969 shows Shirley with her helmet, go go boots and classic
hairdo ready to rumble. Note several items in the Drag On Lady AMX: wiper switch,
sunvisors
and Ventilair Vinyl seats.
(158) 1969 Super Stock
Javelin. *RARE COLOR* photo of Ron Root's 69 Javelin 390cid pumping out
460hp was running 119.21 @ 11.75 seconds in the 1/4 mile in 69. Sponsored by the Southern
California AMC Dealers Association, this Javelin many feared to line up against. And
understandably so...
(159) 1969 Funny Car Gary Crane Travelin Javelin; Based out of
Torrance, California and owned by Gary Crane, the Travelin Javelin was turning high sevens
at over 180 miles per hour in 1969. It ran a variety of engines, from AMC and Mopar in the
late 1960s. It did most of it's destruction on the track however with a cast iron Keith
Black Hemi, and sported a great....and colorful....DIFFERENT paint job on either side of
theJavelin. As with many AMCs at the track, it was a real crowd pleaser. Some photos I
have seen of this car from rear angle you will notice the Droke Brothers XP Package which
was sold thru AMC Dealers, and consisted of a flattened rear spoiler and 1/4 extensions to
name a few, not visible in this photo however! 7x10
(160) AMC Super Stock SS/AMX Hurst Pete's Patriot Kearney NE;
Wallace "Pete" Peterson out of Kearney, Nebraska was co-owner of one of the
oldest Nash Dealerships in the US, Peterson Motor Company. "Pete" was owner and
founder of the well known Pete's Patriot Racing Team, of which legendary Lou Downing drove
this Hurst prepared AMC Super Stock AMX for. NHRA records were made to be broken and this
one broke most in 1969. Mention 'Pete's Patriot SS/AMX' and most, if not all AMC fans
remember this....and the Shirley Shahan Drag On Lady SS/AMX easily. This was SS/AMX #39
launching hard on another record run in summer of 1969. 7x10
(161) 1969 SS/AMX Pete's Patriot Super Stock AMX
EARLY/Late; launching hard off
the line. This photo shows it in it's EARLY years, & LATE 90s; of which you can still
see this formidable competitor at vintage drags and of course, flying the red, white and
blue at AMC meets. This was Super Stock AMX #39. Great looking dual photo.
(162) 1969 Hot Wheels Mattel Ed Shaver AMX. Rare Ed Shaver Hot
Wheels Racing Team photo taken in United Kingdom. To learn more about this legend, there
is a file on my site here about him, his legacy, and the most collectible Hot Wheels AMX
produced. 7x10
(163) 1969 Hot Wheels Mattel Ed Shaver AMX vs Opus One in UK. Legendary
Ed Shaver's Hot Wheels Drag Team AMX lined up against the Opus One Dragster on outskirts
of London, England in 1969. I do not know who won the race, but the Shaver AMX was at the
time, whipping up on competition, so my $$$ or British pounds would have been on Ed's AMX.
Odd 8x10
(164) 1969 Hurst Super Stock SS/AMX Wentworth
Irvin Rambler; The Wentworth
& Irvin Super Stock AMX was one of TWO raced by Wentworth & Irwin Rambler of
Portland, Oregon, this particular location was located at 21st & Washington. This
SS/AMX shown was driven by Richard Schroeder and was known as the AMX Wynn's Stander, and
was a huge crowd pleaser, usually launching high and going most of the track on two
wheels. The green, yellow and white paint changed several times in several seasons. 7x10
(165) 1969 SS/B AMX The SteakMaker Dragster The Steakmaker SS/b AMX fixing to unleash yet another
formidable run on the 1/4 mile. 8x10 color. Track is in Kearney, Nebraska.
(166) 1969 Hurst Super Stock AMX The Buran Hustler, Milwaukee, WI Buran Rambler Inc. The
formidable Buran Hustler Super Stock AMX sits in off to the side of Buran Rambler Inc in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin in late 1969 shortly after delivery. Only 52/53 SS/AMXs made, this is
SS/AMX #38 and resides about 189 miles west of me in Houston. These are some of the most
collectible of all AMXs. This is the earliest known photo of this car. Note the new
Rambler, Javelin and Rebel on the dealer lot, quite a sight and makes any AMC fan's heart
skip a beat. Photo is 7x9.
(167) 1969 Hurst Super Stock AMX Bill
Rodekopf; The Bill Rodekopf AMC Hurst Super Stock AMX was sponsored by yhe Kansas
City AM Dealers association. Like all Super stock AMXs this one was a force to be reckoned
with on race day turing mid 10s. It was Hurst SS/AMX #47, great shot of it launching in
early 1970s.
(168) 1969 Kenosha Assembly Line/Javelin Sheetmetal:. The smaller AMCs
were usually built on East Line like Javelin (with a worker looking thru dozens of
Javelin's sheetmetal) Rogue, Rambler, American, AMX while West Line was usually reserved
for larger AMC models like Ambassador, Rebel, Matador, but many times the West line would
have to be changed out for smaller AMCs due to high demand.
(169) 1969 American Motors worker's in
"the pits"
which was the final checkup in the old Kenosha Wisconsin AMC plant looks over the
completed vehicles from inside, and down under in two lines, East & West. Once
everything checks out ok, the cars would go onto marshalling yards then by truck, train or
rail to you and me! Looks closely that is a new 69 Javelin up front, off to left is a 69
Rebel barely visible, behind the Javelin is a Ambassador and it appears a Rambler behind
that. 7x 9/12.
(170) 1969 Merry Go Round. That is what this section of the Kenosha
plant building your classic American Motors was called. This is the EAST LINE on end. That
is sparks flying from the worker in foreground welding a panel on that Javelin.....in
front of this Javelin is a AMX and another in front of it.
(171) 1969 AMC East Line, Javelin, Kenosha, Wisconsin, showing suspension
work being done from underneath; a worker shown in mask appears to be spraying
undercoating near/around front suspenion area. The 68 or 69 Javelin has a 390 emblem, and
looking closer, it has a vinyl trim 1/4 panel extension chrome piece. Note the shiny black
twin grip rear end, and gloss on the drums; you can also see reflection on bottom of gas
tank. Look even closer and you will discover the whole car is suspended in air with four
large braces, 2 per side, as it rolls along the line early in production. This is a copy
of my old original bought at a AMC National meet in 1970s. Historical! 8x10.
===================================
1969 AMC
Dealer Mystery Trip to LAX *exclusive photos*
Read
article.
(172) Doug
Thorley's Javelin 1 rear engined dragster with Ike Knupp
(173) Lee Breedlove & Craig giving tutorial on how to break 106 national
& international records
(174) Hayden Proffitt lighting up the Los Angeles airport tarmac with the '68
Grant Rebel SST
(175) Dealers having adult beverage admiring the
1200 horses the 1968 Grant Rebel SST funny car churns out
(176) SoCal Dealers Funny Car Javelin driven by Ron Root blasts down LAX American Airlines tarma
(177) AMC Kenosha factories/complex helicopter
photo Taken from the air is this 8x10 black and
white photo showing American Motors plants sprawled all over many blocks of Kenosha,
Wisconsin. The photo has the surrounding neighborhoods shaded in, while the factories
themselves are highlighted in 1950s technology as shown. Too bad this photo
was not taken from higher up back then as would have captured more of the expansive
Kenosha AMC Complex, especially in the Northeast. Most everything you see in this photo
from 40+ years ago is now sadly gone. I am not sure what this photo was used for, possibly
shareholders or Kenosha Chamber of Commerce.
(178) AMC Kenosha factories/complex helicopter
photo BLACKOUT; same as above
except this one is shaded in by AMC to show ONLY the factories. In the corner is some
dates and numbers. Again, same photo as above but touched up by AMC decades ago.
(181) 1970 AMC Gremlin $1998 now at dealerships April, 1970. The new Gremlin would sell well in it's first year and eventually put up some formidable numbers, production-wise as was a great bargain, and economical car. This unusual photo was for stockholders, but didn't mention the dealership the Gremlin appeared at on showroom floor. Note Javelin & Ambassador neons in window, the Gremlin "man" as he is known, would appear on Gremlin Series thru 1975 although the Gremlin itself saw production thru end of 1978.
(182) AMC Kenosha Lakefront complex showing docks, loading area, plant & lighthouse. In the distance upper right is more of American Motors factories. One os a series of photos that was given to not only shareholders, but potential new AMC dealers when recruiting. It is from 1968, American Motors had 2368 AMC Dealers at the time.
(183) AMC Kenosha factories looking WEST, this is one of several images that was given to shareholders at meetings. It shows the sheer vastness of American Motors clout in Kenosha. This photo is from 1968.
(184) AMC Kenosha factories facing EAST, this is one of several images that was given to potential dealers and shareholders, from 1968. Clearly in middle of photo shows engine lines, east & west lines, the pit, merry go round, the 'bulk' of the huge Kenosha American Motors complex. In distance is the lake with what appears to be a level of fog rolling in, quite neat.
(185) American Motors factory photo (AMC's Photographic Department, #969157) This photo shows the back side of one of the 50th Street buildings. A huge neon RAMBLER sign towers over this building, the photo is dated 1969.
(186) The famous "skyway" bridge over the street in Kenosha usually had signs plastered on it thru it's lifetime. This is a 1950s photo showing a big Nash neon sign affixed to it. Later it would have Rambler then American Motors well into the 1980s. Workers could cross back and forth avoiding the blistering cold in winter, venturing outside maybe to go to Freedy's East or west bar for lunch & grab some hot sandwiches and a Schlitz, Blatz or Miller High Life.
(187) Nash building unknown location (at the moment am researching)
(196) 71 AMC Trans Am Javelin AMX Mark Donohue Sunoco Elkhart Lake WI American Motors mighty Trans Am Javelin #6 car at speed with Mark Donohue
behind the wheel at Elkhart Lake Wisconsin in 1971. Roger Penske Racing Team, this iconic
photo was one of the AMC Press Release photos released not only to media, but also to AMC
Dealerships crowing about AMC's success on SCCA Trans Am Racing. And you can't blame them
when they are whipping the field. And you can't argue with history!
(197) American Motors 1971 Trans Am
Javelin #6 car in the pits in St. Jovite (Mont-Tremblant) Canada; Mark Donohue
behind the wheel. Roger Penske Racing Team, this iconic photo was one of the AMC Press
Release photos released not only to media, but also to AMC Dealerships crowing about AMC's
success on SCCA Trans Am Racing. And you can't blame them when they are whipping the
field. And you can't argue with history! Won the
race here is 1971 results
(198) American Motors AMC Mark Donohue Racing Team Trans Am SCCA Javelin Iconic American Motors driver Mark Donohue pictured in 1971. Wearing his AMC Racing Team jacket with sponsors Good Year & Sonoco shown. The black & white photo is type given to AMC Dealers & media, also some shareholders got these.
(199) 71 AMC Trans Am Javelin twin racing photo AMC Trans Am 1971 SCCA Javelin Team Penske Mark Donohue Lime Rock photo 199 American Motors spectacular Trans Am Javelin going thru the paces at Lime Rock in 1971. Team Roger Penske with driver of the #6 car Mark Donohue. Press photo for AMC Dealers, media and stock holders. American Motors was spreading the word about Team Penske & Donohue & winning a number of races with America's smallest automaker. You can't argue with success and the exposure AMC was getting. Here is the results of Lime Rock
(200) Mark Donohue Captain Nice: AMC Porsche Diehard Goodyear Penske
Sunoco A wonderful photo of Captian Nice the legendary Mark Donohue whose name would one
day grace the production car called the 1970 AMC Mark Donohue Javelin. quite a honor!
(201) 1970 Mark Donohue Captain Nice behind wheel of new 1970 Trans Am Javelin. Exclusive. Extremely rare photo of Donohue behind the wheel for first time of American Motors new Trans Am 1970 Javelin in 1969.
(202) 1970 Trans Am
Javelin at Lime Rock. Captain
Nice Mark Donohue at Lime Rock AT SPEED in late 1970. This is the #0 car sponsored by
Sunoco.
(203) 1970 Trans Am Javelin at Michigan International Speedway w/Mark Donohue
Legendary racer Mark Donohue signs on with American Motors and proceeds to tear up the
Trans Am circuit with his Javelin. This is a copy of my tired original. Captain Nice is
shown smiling as usual at the Michigan International Speedway in late 1970. 7x10.
(204) 1970 Trans Am Javelin Pit Stop American Motors 1970 Trans Am
Javelin in late 1970, track is unknown. Appears to be some friendly banter between Follmer
& Penske. The 304 would put out 450hp @ roughly 7000rpm. This is one of the earlier
photos of the #0 Trans Am Javelin from my collection. It is a copy of my original which is
not for sale. 6 1/2 x 9 1/2
(205) 70 AMX 3 Mark Donohue. The track is Michigan International
Speedway. This is a extremely rare photo of legendary Mark Donohue standing next to one of
six AMX/3's built. The photo is fragile, and has crease in middle and was taken on a
really overcast day, however the rarity of it being over 40 years old makes up for
any imperfections. The photo is about 7x10.
(206) 70 AMX 3 Mark Donohue. Color. Legendary auto driver Mark Donohue standing
next to a new 1970 AMX 3 prototype at Michigan International Speedway in later winter
1970. Donohue had recently signed with AMC, racing Trans Am Javelins...then NASCAR
Matadors. All 6 AMX/3's produced still exist.
Note Mark's new r/w/b AMC "Javelin Racing Team" jacket.
(207) 970 Trans Am Javelin Studio with Order Form. Beautiful photo
showing the new Trans Am Javelin in corporate paint scheme in Kenosha studio in August
1969. Comes with rare Dealer Car Ordering Form & Price Guide; rarely seen sheet;
showing options and pricing. ***please note the sheet you get is complete
not "cut off" this was simply too big for my scanner.
(208) 1970 Gremlin introduction at the New York Auto Show April 1970. AMC was in financial trouble in 1970, suffering a 2nd 1/4 loss of $10 million or 41 cents per share. This, along with the strike affected first 1/4, where they incurred a loss of $15.6 million, resulted in a net loss in the first 1/2 of the fiscal year of a whopping $25 million. (And people ask why the 70 AMX didn't sell, the 70 Javelin saw only 1/2 of the production of 69 and the Rebel, including the Machine, was a flop.) The losses stated above had no benefit of tax credit. The strike mentioned above, closed the plants for five weeks in the fall, and cost AMC a whopping $23 million loss and 36,000 vehicles plus interruption of momentum in the market at a really critical time. AMC also had just bought Jeep for $40 million, so you can see how this all affected AMC. In other words, WE ALMOST LOST AMC IN 1970. Enter the Gremlin to save the day! That, along with Hornet, would be AMC's Bread and Butter cars for years, selling really well. The Gremlin was A MAJOR ATTRACTION at this huge show. Gremlin sales EXCEEDED SUPPLY and production had to be increased 30% due to consumer demand! Again, photo is grainy, but looks really great framed, and is 5 1/2 inches high and 10 inches across.
(209) 1970 Gremlin Dragster "FUNNY CAR" Lou Azar's
"FUNNY GREMLIN" twas turning 11 second quarter mile times which was unheard of
for a funny car. Black & White.
(210) 1970 Funny Gremlin Dragster in color. Same as above but in rare color with small
border.
(211) 1970 AMC AMX In Studio.
AMC released a majority of their press release photos in black and white as they simply
showed up better in media. This car is a 390V8, note the silver stripes in the grill,
something oft debated with AMC fans. My guess is that the car in the photo was probably
Golden Lime Metallic with the upper reverse C stripe. The actual photo itself is 5 inches
from top to bottom and 10 inches across, (as original is) but the photo has border enough
to easily fit in a 8X10 frame.
(212) 1970 AMX with
Slinky model. The caption on the bottom reads: FOR PM RELEASE TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 9,
1969. American Motors' sporty two place AMX for 1970 is slightly longer than its 1969
counterpart and features increased horsepower and performance. A 360 cubic inch four
barrel V8, rated at 290 horsepower, and four on the floor transmission are standard. For
1970, the AMX has a longer hood with a new stamped in power blister. With a new optional
performance package, the dual power blister openings become part of a new functional ram
air induction system. The longer hood and a slight reduction in height, achieved through
new 78 Aspect Ratio fiberglass belted tires, give the AMX a lower silhouette."
(213) 1970 AMX with slinky model COLOR. Same as above but this photo was
for Dealers, not Press.
(214) 1970 AMX Design Studio w/model. New 1970 AMX in Kenosha studio with pretty model leaning against vehicle. August 1969.
(215) 1970 AMC Rebel Machine Dallas,
Texas 1969 introduction.
American Motors 'New Supercar' press photo from the NHRA Nationals in Dallas Texas in
October 1969. This was AMC officially introduced the new red, white & blue Rebels to
the public, of which got Press Release Kits from AMC.
(216) 1970 AMC Rebel Machine 'speed photo' this is a side
shot showing the car accelerating, nice side view of the only year Rebel Machine and last
year of the great Rebel Series!
(217) 1970 AMC Rebel Machine
"Tri" photo: this unique three in one shot shows a great 1/4 panel rear
angled view, a close up of THE MACHINE on the side of the car, and a close up of the
0-8000RPM tachometer on the hood! The car was a red, white and blue painted vehicle. See
my Planet Houston Registries list for more information about these rare birds.
(218) 1970 Rebel Machine Detroit Auto Show 1969 Very RARE COLOR
photo of the brand new "supercar" being offered by American Motors, which was
the last year of the long running Rebel Series...the Rebel MACHINE. Boasting 340hp in the
390 AMC V8, this mother could run. Officially 1936 were made, although some put the total
at 2306. Regardless, the first run of them were Frost White with red, white and blue
stripes and grill, blue highlighted shadow hood, and side trim. After Janaury 1st 1970 you
could get them in any production color including Big Bad Colors and also vinyl roof! So
from August 1st thru December 31st 1969, r/w/b only, after that any color goes MACHINE!
(219) 1970 Rebel Machine "top" photo. Beautiful ABOVE 8x10
photo seldom seen Rebel Machine press photo. Black & white. AMC Public Relations Dept
release states: "SPECIAL TRIM and equipment are standard on American Motors' new two
door hardtop, the Rebel Machine. A unique paint scheme includes red, white and blue strips
over the rear deck. The function hood scoop incorporates a 0-8000 RPM tachometer. Wide
E60X15 tires, mounted on mag style steel wheels, are standard."
(220) 1970 Rebel Machine "Front" photo. AMC's "new
supercar" the Rebel Machine in 1970. The release states: "STRIKING PAINT scheme
will appear on early production Rebel Machines, American Motors' new performance hardtop.
Hood area, with functional scoop and tachometer, is Electric Blue. Red side reflective
stripes join white and blue transverse stripes at the rear."
(221) 1970 AMC AMX III in Rome, Italy. Only 6 of these were built by
Bizzarini and AMC in 1970, a design by Dick Teague. All 390, transaxled. All six are still
known to exist, the last one was "found" in a Detroit basement in 1999. Many of
the unfinished parts and bodies are still known to exist, and one customizer is said to
start reproducing them in the near future!
(222) 1970 AMX 3 Dick Teague & Giotto
Bizzarrini Rome Italy photo shoot. This photo taken in
Rome in 1969, shows AMC styling chief Dick Teague (L) with visionary & auto designer
Giotto Bizzarrini (R) with a production prototype 1970 AMX/3 near Colosseum before shoot,
one of the models in background; the actual press photo would be given to dealers later
with memo.
(223) 1970-71 Mark Donohue Trans Am Javelin Michigan International Speedway Dealer Promotional photo Mark Donohue stands proudly next to the new generation Javelin AMX at Michigan International Speedway in this 1970 photo. Note only Sunoco is logoed sponsor in this early photo of the #6 Trans Am Javelin. This black & white AMC press photo was for dealers ONLY and is rarely seen. Worth noting is Mark's red, white and blue AMC Racing Team jacket, the new front underbody spoiler, all lights intact, but has hood pins added, and you can see the huge side exhaust protruding from under door, and also roll bar. Also worth noting is the rounded edge front amber marker on fender, (regular production saw squared edged ones in 70-71) stainless wheelwell trim, rocker moldings, so this ultra early shot is before Team owner Roger Penske got ahold of it!
(224) 1971 Mark Donohue Elkhart Lake Javelin AMX Autographed.
Possibly one of the rarest of all my photos, simply because of Captain Nice's autograph.
Shows his car with him in it at speed at Elkhart Lake in 1971.
(225) 1971 Shirley Shahan Drag On Lady Gremlin. The Shahans, better know
as H.L. & Shirley raced a variety of AMC vehicles thru the years, some more well know
than others like the Drag On Lady Hurst Super Stock AMX! They also raced Hortnet &
Gremlin. This is a rare copy of my Polaroid photo with Shirley standing next to their 1971
Gremlin. It is my understanding the car still exists although I have not heard or seen
it's whereabouts since early 1990s. The Gremlin was running 9's @ 140mph for the Shahans
in 1971-72. 7x10.
(226) 1971 Sunoco Penske AMX Xray! photo of the Roger Penske owned and
Mark Donohue driven terror of the circuit. It took about 300 hours and $60K (in 1971 $$)
to build this Trans Am winner. This shows the cutaway insides of the car over the skin. If
you own a 71-74 Javelin or AMX, or are a fan of the Trans Am cars or Mark Donohue or Roger
Penske legends this photo is a must for your collection.
(227) 1971 AMC AMX in
your face shot: This unique photo shows a 401 new bodied AMX close up and personal, of
which these had the most powerful production engine AMC ever produced with the 401
sporting 330hp in 71. Note one year only wire mesh grill in silver, not black, also only
71-72 would have these types of front bumper guards, and length of car chrome strips side
body moldings.
(228) 1971 AMC AMX on the
track: For AM Release Tuesday September 15, 1970 This particular car in the photo
shows the hood T stripe that never saw production. As with most Press Release photos, this
one also does not have a antennae mounted. Information provided on the new style 71 AMX is
at the bottom of the photo. Note Rebel Machine 15" rims on the vehicle; these rims
are commonly called "Rebel Machine" rims, although the proper name is styled
15" road rims, AND THEY WERE A OPTION ON ANY 1970 THRU 1972 Ambassador, AMX, Javelin,
Matador or Rebel.
(229) 1971 AMC Trans Am Javelin AMX Roy Woods George Follmer signed
American Motors Trans Am Javelin going thru the paces at either Watkins Glen or Elkhart
Lake (sorry, don't remember) in 1971, this is the formidable Roy Woods Racing Team. The
photo is signed by George Follmer, the LEGENDARY driver who raced in Can Am & Trans Am
to name a few, and in 1972 **WON** the Trans Am Championship for AMC driving this Roy
Woods Javelin, taking 4 wins in 6 starts.
(230) 1971 Trans Am Javelin; Mark Donohue leading the pack in the Team
Penske Javelin 1971. AMC won the Trans Am championship in 1971 and 1972. This
Sunoco-Goodyear-Sears Javelin prepared by Roger Penske, driven by Mark Donohue had scored
6 wins already when this photo was taken. And a high finish at the Michigan International
Raceway would sew up the championship for them! The Trans Am Championship race at MIS was
70 laps (209.70 miles) for a $30,000 purse; the track is just under three miles in length
(2.997 miles) and 40 cars participated. Last time Donohue ran the MIS, July 18th, he won a
USAC sanctioned 200 miles race for indy cars on the two mile oval.
(231) 1971 AMX Javelin Roy Woods Trans Am Autographed.
This Trans Am Javelin was in Texas for years, based in the Gonzalez collection. Quite
breathtaking to sit in this thing, knowing it's history.
(232) 1971 AMC SC/360
Hornet! Only Press Release Photo AMC offered of these rare cars. The SC/360
is often looked upon as AMC's 'forgotten musclecar'. Only 784 were produced. The car in
the photo was allegedly Electric Blue. Note no trim rings, this is how them came. These
were bare bones, no nonsense musclecars, read the info on my Registry. This is a real nice
photo, but damn, the model looks like a Klingon woman. Photo is 9 1/2 inches across,
and 6 inches from top to bottom. Caption on the bottom reads: FOR A.M. RELEASE,
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 1970. Public Relations---American Motors, Detroit, Mich. 48232. This
was...THE ULTIMATE HORNET. Too bad they were 'limited' with the 290hp 360V8 and AMC didn't
take it one step further with a 330hp 401 that year!
(233) 1972 LAPD (police) Matador American Motors executives Stuart Reed (C) VP
Manufacturing & John F Anderson (R) VP Engineering/Research, stand with a unidentified
Los Angeles Police Officer in 1971 next to new 1972 AMC Matador 401.
LAPD ordered a substantial amount of these 401 Matadors after testing them against
Plymouth & Dodge. The rest is history. The press photo was inhouse to share holders in
memo about AMC's growing 'Fleet Sales'. The 73 & 73 Matadors were also featured in
CHiPs & Adam 12 Series, along with Dukes of Hazzard shows. Note LAPD Matty does not
have all police decals and logos in this early photo.
(234) 1972 Trailer-Train Milwaukee marshalling yard November 1971. Loaded with over 32 Gremlins, Hornets & Sportabout models on lower two levels, on top is a red 72 Javelin SST, behind it a number of Matadors & Ambassadors. The Gremlins are in a wide array of 1972 colors, and were AMC's top selling vehicle. How many of you ever saw one of these Trailer Trains loaded with new American Cars, much less American Motors cars?
(235) 1972 Pierre Cardin Javelin w/memo; only 4152 Pierre Cardin Javelin
produced by AMC from 1972 thru 1974, they are some of the more collectible AMC's other
there with their striking seats, headliner, door panel inserts in Chinese Red, silver,
plum and whileon back background. This Kenosha Studio photo PREDATES the release of the
Javelin.....December 15th, 1971, so was probably taken late November 1971.***BONUS*** I
will also enclose a complimentary Product Information Bulletin, AM-72-5, dated 12/15/71 to
you: TO: All American Motors Dealers. SUBJECT: New "Cardin" interior. In it, AMC
let's dealers know production of the new Cardin interior will begin Feb 1st, 1972 and will
be priced at $84.95 ADP. And of course the announcement will happen at Chicago Auto Show
Feb 26th-Mar 5th (1972) and legendary designer PIERRE CARDIN himself will be present to
launch the program to the press (Feb 25th). The rare memo is signed by the late, great,
Carl Chakmakian, Manager of AMC Product Information Department.
(236) 1972 Team Highball Levis Gremlin George Alderman & Amos Johnson
Autographed One of the more famous photos of the Team AMC
Levi's Gremlin in 1972/3 leading the pack. This one is a copy of my original SIGNED by
both Amos Johnson and George Alderman, which are both IMSA racing legends.
The Gremlin was sponsored by Levi's and Dick Holland Motors. Drivers also included Whit
Diggett, James Muller of the ZERO GREMLIN.
(237) 1972 Gremlin Kenosha Assembly Line UAW. Unusual photo of a Gremlin
getting final touches on the East Line in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 1972. There is a worker
under car in 'the pit' while another on the right has a cigarette hanging out mouth. Gotta
luv them United Auto Workers. Many parts can be seen in rafters in upper left although
unidentifiable.
(238) 1972 Astro Spiral
Javelin: This fleet of unusual cars were part of the J. M. Productions Hells'
Drivers tour, which also included many Gremlins, Matadors and Hornets. This
"Stunt" of driving a car roughly 42mph up a ramp, spinning in a 360 degree turn
and landing on another ramp was first performed in the Houston Astrodome here in the early
1970s, 1972 to be exact. It was also unheard of because the feat was done on computers
first, which is common nowadays. Driver Chick Galiano gears up in this photo in the
cavernous Astrodome...
(239) 1972 Astro Spiral
Javelin IN AIR: with flashbulbs popping, hearts thumping, breath holding, beer
spilling in the Astrodome, Chick performs a never before done stunt before a sellout crowd
of over 66,000 people in 1972!! A almost near perfect landing and the crowd was on it's
feet; and word quickly spread about this amazing triumph in a six cylinder 72 Javelin.
Several of these cars (I understand there was six used in the tour) still exist in
Buffalo, NY.
(240) 1972 Astro Spiral Javelin COLOR J & M Production Astro Spiral AMC Javelin over 30 feet upside down in the air! This death defying stunt was first done here in Houston at the Astrodome. It would later appear at thrill shows all over the country. There were 6 of these special six cyinder Javelins used, mostly stipped with no options and beefy front ends and if you ever saw them land after doing a 360 you would know why. The most famous of this particular jumps was utilized the the James Bond (AMCers call it a AMC Cult Classic!!) film "The Man With The Golden Gun" whereas a red 360V8 powered Hornet hatchback performs same stunt over a canal in Thailand.
(241)
1972-76 AMC Interiors. With Pierre Cardin Memo. One of
the strangest photos is this one showing what was AMC's attempt to spruce up their image,
which it did. They brought on Gucci to do the Hornets; Pierre Cardin to do the Javelins
and AMXs; Oleg Cassini to do the Matador; and Levi's touched up a number of the Gremlin
and Hornet Series. This photo shows the different interiors and was part of the 1973 Press
Release Kit. If you would like to see these great interiors in color, you can find them in
the 72-74 (and some 75-76) AMC Color Catalogs listed above.
(242) 1972 Wally Booth Gremlin COLOR Autographed Wally Booth had quite a resume.
Twice voted 'one of the top 10 pro stock drivers' by Popular Hot Rodding; Five time
national NHRAMeet Runner Up; 70% match race win record in 1970 and 1971; Memember of the
US Race team. The Gremlin had a wheelbase of 96 inches, wtight 2300lbs, wheels were Cragar
Super Trick aluminum; all fiberglass by Anderson Industries, tachometer by Moroso; Shifter
by Hurst; Transmission by Borg Warner. The AMC 360 used was bored and destroked.
Displacement was 340cu in; bore 4.160 in; storke 3.125 in; comprsssion ratio 13.2:1; carbs
2X4 Holley 4 barrels; intake Edelbrock Tunnel Ram; Camshaft by General Kinetics; ingnition
by Cragar VAP; Spark plugs provided by Champion; and oil by Kendall GT-1.
(243) 1972 AMC Pro Stock Gremlin X Wally Booth
Waving; Legendary and fan
favorite Wally Booth fixing to climb into his 72 Pro Stock Gremlin X at a unidentified,
and foggy... drag strip in 1971. 7x10
(244) 1972 Wally Booth Gremlin X Launching Autographed One of THREE autographed photos from AMC and Racing Legend
Wally Booth in my personal collection. This 8x10 is full color and suitable for framing.
This is 1973 and the last year Wally Booth would use the Gremlin X; changing to a new
sleeker Hornet X hatchback for the 74 season. Wally Booth, American Motors drag racing
star in 1973, jumped off to the fastest start in his 10 year career that season. Beginning
with the National Hot Rod Associations's Gatornationals at Gainsville, FL in March, where
he won the Pro Stock Eliminator title, Booth went on to win FIVE
MAJOR EVENTS before faulting at the start of a run! The string of
victories had given him an early points lead for the 1974 Pro Stock Elimination World
Championship, well in front of defending titleholder Wayne Gapp. Booth was part of the
formidable Booth-Arons (Dick Arons) team. The Gremlin was turning mid 9 second 1/4 mile
ET's at over 142 MPH....
(245) 1972 AMC Wally Booth Pro Stock Gremlin X Posing; Legendary driver
Wally Booth stands next to the record setting American Motors Pro stock Gremlin X which
was taking out competitors on the NHRA circuit left and right in 1972, running 9 second
1/4 miles over 142 MPH. This photo is slightly foggy from my Polaroid photo.
(246) 1972 Wally Booth Gremlin X National Trail
Raceway. Booth launching hard
on another record shattering run. Photo has small border. Rare.
(247) 1972 AMC Pro Stock Gremlin X Smith & Childree Alabama;
From Alabama came the 1972 Gremlin X from Smith & Childree, located in Birmingham.
This Pro Stock Gremlin was punching out timeslips in the 9 second range at 145 miles per
hour, comparable to what Wally Booth, Maskin & Kanners and others were turning. This
7x10 color photo shows the S&C Gremlin lifting off at a unknown track.
(248) 1973 Gremlins Marshalling Yard: Milwaukee. One of these Gremlins
was the 200,000th AMC Gremlin sold. Several base models are shown of the 12 shown, but two
in the very front are X packages, and have rally stripes on them. Note the BIG Gremlin gas
cap on one of them towards the rear and the car highest on the ramp. Look closely in the
upper left and there is a Hornet on a transport, and to the left of that a Ambassador or
Matador station wagon. The photo is of American Motors marshalling yard in Kenosha,
Wisconsin. The Gremlin was first introduced to the buying public by AMC on April Fools Day
(a car company with a sense of humor, that was refreshing!) in 1970,and thru April of
1973, US production of the hot selling Gremlin totaled 62,659; exceeding in only 7 months
the ENTIRE 1972 model year of 61,717 units! This was the second year you could buy a
Gremlin with a 304V8 also.
(249) 1973 AMC Hornet Hatchback dragcar: C. Cook
was the driver for this Daytona, FL AMC dealership in 1973. This was the FIRST YEAR of the
NEW Hatchback Hornet model. Wished this photo was in color, as the hornet sports a r/w/b
paint scheme, and to the front is a Gremlin X, and behind the Hornet is a 72 AMX with the
window sticker!!!
(250) 1973 AMC NASCAR Matador #16 car (not #61 ) A real neat photo of the #16 AMC NASCAR Matador, owned by Roger Penske, and driven by Mark Donohue, later Bobby Allison would come on board AMCs NASCAR program, making them winners!
(251) 1973 AMC NASCAR
Matador #61: Color. (Not #16 ) Roger Penske owned, Mark Donohue drive 1973
NASCAR Matador. Bobby Allison would later join the party in late 74.
(252) 1973 Gremlin & Javelin West Allis/Milwaukee Dealership COLOR Beautiful array of brand new American Motors cars in front of the new
Milwaukee, West Allis Dealership in 1973. That is a red Javelin in background and other
vehicles appear on showroom. This photo was also used in in a movie in 2007.
(253)
1973 AMC SCCA Jeep Wagoneer Gene Henderson Pogue AUTOGRAPHED Gene Henderson had been active in rallying, and in PRO
Rallying, since theearly days of the sport in the U.S. He was the 1974 Sports Car
Club of America PRO Rally Champion. Henderson set the international rally scene on
its ear when he won the FIA-sanctioned 1972 Press-On-Regardless in Michigan with --
Horrors! -- a Jeep Wagoneer! The FIA reacted by banning 4WD, until the advent of the
Audi Quattro a few years later.
Henderson went on to compete in the SCCA Production Class in the 1980s witha pair of
factory-backed AMC Eagle SX4s, one for him, one for his son. He also competed
several times on the Alcan 5000 rally in Subarus provided by Subaru of America. He
remained active for many years as an organizer and rally worker. If you can ever find a
copy of his book "Performance Rallying" buy it. Gene passed away April
6th, 2005. What better way to remember this legend than with a copy of my signed photo
showing Gene getting after it in the American Motors Jeep. The photo is unique as it was
signed not only by Gene, but his Navigator Ken Pogue. A fantastic photo for those who love
AMC, Jeep, Rally and of course the legend Gene.
(254) 1973 Jocko Maggiacomo STEED Trans Am Javelin WINNER Checkered Flag
Surprising everyone.....Jocko Maggiacomo takes checkered flag May 5th,
1973 in the Trans Am Series at Lime Rock,
Connecticut! Race was sponsored by Schaefer Beer. The team mate in passenger seat holding
the WINNER'S FLAG is unidentified. Besides being the underdog and taking out
powerful Team BMW and winning this race; few photos exist of this Trans Am Javelin.
(255) 1973 Jocko Maggiacomo Trans Am STEED Javelin Color Side angle of
Jocko in action in his Trans Am Javelin!
(256) 1973 Jocko
Maggiacomo Trans Am Javelin AUTOGRAPHED. Jocko Maggiacomo proudly shows off his
decal for winning the 1976 Trans Am championship with his Steed Javelin AMX! Signed by the
winner! Extremely rare photo. Few photos of his Trans Am Javelin, and NASCAR Matador exist
as most was lost when his speed shop in Poughkeepsie, NY burned to ground many years
ago.
(257) 1973 Jocko Maggiacomo Trans Am Javelin leading the pack! Track is
unknown, this is a slightly grainy rare photo of Jocko Maggiacomo's Trans Am Javelin
leading the pack. The "Steed" Javelin as it ws known, would end up winning the
Trans Am Championship in 1976 after many races. Few photos exist of the Steed Javelin as
Jocko's Speed Shop in NY burned down years ago, taking tons of parts and archives with it.
(258) 1973 Trans Am Javelin Jocko Maggiacomo pulling the STEED Javelin
into the pits Beautiful photo front angle of the #63 Jocko's Speed Shop Trans Am Javelin.
Their NASCAR Matador was built from a car found in a junkyard, so this is a fellow
we can all relate to who brought it home with little support from AMC....he was the
ultimate underdog!
(259) 1973 Trans Am Javelin Steed Jocko Maggiacomo at Lime Rock Early photo of Jocko's Trans Am Javelin with
no decals on spoiler! Jocko's Racing at 309 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY was the ultimate
underdog, overshadowed by Penske and Donohue; they put together the Steed Trans Am
Javelin, then later the Matador (a story in itself) and won the SCCA Trans Am Championship
in 1976! Results of Lime Rock: americanmotorsracing.com This rare photo is of their effort
at Lime Rock in 1973. Jocko's Racing was a Speed Shop carrying all sorts of speed
equipment from completer racing suits and accessories, to tachometers, custom van flairs
air cleaners, Holley items and much more for one's 60s/70s AMC, GM, Ford & Mopar.
(260) 1973 NASCAR Matador Dave Marcis smiling. Legendary NASCAR racer Dave Marcis posing next to "The Flying Brick" American Motors NASCAR Matador at Talladega, Alabama before the start of a race in 1973. Dave flashes his trademark smile in front of the Matador, which was a crowd favorite in it's red, white and blue paint scheme. 8x10 B&W.
(261) 1974 AMC Javelin stocker Tom Reffner Superamerica Blue Knight Javelin, American Motors Javelin stock car of Tom Reffner, Rudolph Wisconsin, even beat Bobby Allison with this Javelin known as The Blue Knight. The car was built by Ed Howe of Howe Racing; Tom won a staggering amount of races with this Javelin....67 in one season. At one point it had Traco AMC engine(s). This photo from 1975 early in the season.
(262) 1974 NASCAR Matador Jocko Maggiacomo Pocono side view (description next photo)
(263) 1974 NASCAR Matador Jocko Maggiacomo Pocoma head first. Jocko had
been successful racing an ex-Penske/Donahue Javelin in theTrans-Am series and had even won
the championship (for his class) one year. So the team had an available supply of
Traco engines that could be used in NASCAR. These where a little bit down on power from
the ones Penske had, but this was good for reliability. There was very little help from
AMC. The team got no help from Penske or Allison either. The team built the Matador
from a junkyard body and a Banjo Mathews frame. They had never built an oval track
car, so a team member went to the Daytona 500 and snuck in to the garage area with the
help of some friends in the broadcasting business. He spent three whole days, taking
hundreds of pictures of every detail he could imagine. With these they went to work
and showed up at Pocono with the a car that no one in NASCAR knew was being built.
It had some different building techniques and details they had learned while road racing
so it was tough getting it through tech. One of the few things they did get from AMC was
the slope nose kit. NASCAR never allowed the nose pieces but did allow the rear side
window changes. This shrunk that large side window down to a small port hole
and greatly reduced lift. They never got the car to handle properly and coupled with the
horsepower disadvantage, decided to switch to GM. The Chevy engines where
built in their shop, and the Matador body was replaced by an Oldsmobile body. They
believe the only thing that was saved was a door panel which may be still hanging up in
the workshop.
(264) 1974 AMC Matador with model. AMC's all new for 1974 Matador coupe
with flashy model, nice angled photo from above.
(265) 1974 Gremlin grilles....odd photo of Evart Company that was the supplier of American Motors parts showing dozens of new Gremlin grilles rolling down assembly line, along with other plastic parts they supplied AMC.
(266) 1974 Venezuelan Jeep Llanero Many Jeep folks have never even heard of it. Quite neat if
you ask me. This rare 8x10 American Motors Press Photo touts the "new" and
unique Venezuelan version of the Jeep CJ-7 called the Llanero. The Llanero means
"plainsman" in spanish and was created for the high plateaus of Venezuela, where
AMC had a plant. And a BIG market in the 1970s, along with plants in Cairo, Teheran, Costa
Rica, Australia and had just started talks with Beijing.
(267) 1974 James Bond Hornet, Bangkok Thailand Dealership. Roger Moore
don't look too happy about this photo, in front of a American Motors dealership in
Bangkok, Thailand, in 1974. The Hornet in the background would later come crashing thru
the window (see this photo in the SC/360 Registry file) this was for the AMC Cult Classic
"THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN" movie from 1974. Of course the Matador coupe came
from the same dealership. This Matador is still around and was owned by Cecil Hughes of
England before he passed away in 2003. The Hornet, which does a heart pounding 360 over a
canal, is owned by a gentleman in Iowa. The Hornet is a factory 360/727. If you have never
seen this movie, go rent it or buy it on ebay. Sponsored by AMC!
(268) 1974 AMC Hornet Wally
Booth dragcar Twin Photo: Wally Booth was lured to AMC where he proceeded to take
his modified 9 @ 10 second Hornets and Gremlins on a can-of-whoopass tour of NHRA
dragstrips across North America. This particular car was modified by Booth-Arons Racing.
Wally Booth was at the 2002 AMC Nationals in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where two of his former
dragcars were on display, and Wally was signing autographs!
(269) 1974 AMC Pro Stock Hornet X Wally Booth side photo. Great looking
side photo slightly blurry as he took off on another record setting run in the all new
Booth/Arons Pro Stock Hornet. Note front wheels starting to leave the ground! Track is
unknown.
(270) 1974 Wally Booth NHRA Finals Autographed Wally Booth now commanding a new
AMC Hornet Hatchback leading him into the NHRA Finals where he would bring home the
Championship for AMC. The Hornet handled and launched better (his words in the press
release) than the Gremlin he had been campaigning the previous year.
(271) 1974 AMC Mexican VAM
Gremlin: *RARE COLOR photo of a red/red Gremlin built by Vehiculos Automores
Mexicanos. Some of the neat difference between the Mexican and US built AMCs wer subtle,
some were real obvious! This 74 Gremlin sports a Hurst shifter, 1975 type 'Navaho' seats
used for Pacer, and checkout the 74 Hornet front clip and VAM unique chrome centercaps. To
the bottom of the right reads "Gremlin X 6 Cilindros" Most of the Mexican built
AMCs sported the highly desirable 282cid six cylinder, not available in the US or Canada.
In Houston here you can buy parts for your 282 at Auto Zones.
(272) 1974 AMC NASCAR Dave Marcis & Gary Bettenhausen Autographed. Rare photo signed by two of the winningest drivers in NASCAR history, and
they drove a AMC.
(273) 1974 NASCAR Matador
Penske Prepared Bobby Allison Driven. Odd press photo given
to fans at a number of tracks including Talladegga, Darlington.
(274) 1974 Southland AMC Dealership in Ohio. Southland AMC Jeep looks to be a above
average AMC dealership in roughly 1973/74. Shown are several new models including a Jeep
Cherokee Cheif(?) Gremlin X in Maxi Blue; yellow CJ5 or CJ7 Renegade perhaps with black
stripe, and off to side is a new Matador coupe. Beautiful tall American Motors pillar in
front of Southland tells the world that this is where you can buy your NEW Matador coupe,
or Gremlin 304V8 or rugged Jeep.
(275) 1974 AMC NASCAR
Matador. DON'A'HUE New Bodystyle! Prepared by racing giant Roger Penske and driven
by racing legend Mark Donohue, this is a early photo of the #16 NASCAR Matador in 1974. *Note
the factory misspelling of Donohue on the photo! Yes, even AMC made mistakes.
(276) 1974 AMC NASCAR Matador. Bobby Allison Autographed. A PLANET HOUSTON AMX EXCLUSIVE PHOTO
shows legendary Bobby Allison and Roger Penske next to the mighty NASCAR Matador! In the
background is Drew Pearson's Mercury. This is the #12 Matador.
**Dave Kanners Passed away in March 2009 after a valiant battle with cancer.**
(277) 1974 Maskins & Kanners Hornet X dragster rearview which was
whipping up some serious ass on the NHRA national circuit in 1974. In stock trim it was
capable of 8 second 1/4 mile times. The Troy based Michigan duo would take this monster
all over the US in 1974 wrecking havoc at national events and match races. Awesome drag
racing photo for you AMC fans to remember AMC's Glory Days!
(278) 1974 Maskins & Kanners Hornet X dragster/profile. The caption
at the bottom reads: New Underdog threat--The AMC Hornet X of Dick Maskins and Dave
Kanners has become a serious contender for national honors in the pro stock ranks as a
result of a extensive winter testing program that has produced legal 8-second clockings in
NHRA trim. The Troy, Michigan based duo will utilize their newly found horsepower to good
advantage in 1974 with a full slate of appearances at national events and match races
throughout the country." In other words, they were kicking some serious brand x ass
and taking names. A real neat photo of the guys and the legendary Hornet X!!
(279) 1974 Dick Maskin and Dave Kanners front launching You can actually
feel and hear this powerful Hornet X dragster by looking at this photo. Powered by
Arons-Booth racing, Maskin & Kanners based out of Detroit, MI would take AMC's Hornet
to the NHRA Nationals running 8 second 1/4 miles. The front end is a full foot off the
ground in this photo, which is a rare copy from my personal collection.
(280) 1974 AMC press photo Dave Kanners was part of a American Motors
Maskins & Kanners Press Kit (similiar to the Wally Booth Press Kit) distributed by AMC
in 1974 to press, AM dealers & fans alike. The formidable duo was running 8 second
ET's in their new Hornet X hatchback in Pro Stock. We lost Dave Kanners to pancreatic
cancer in 2009, but his smile & enthusiam and accomplishments with American Motors
& beyond lives on.
(281) 1974 AMC Dick Maskins press photo was part of a American Motors
Maskins & Kanners Press Kit (similiar to the Wally Booth Press Kit) distributed by AMC
in 1974 to press, AM dealers & fans alike. The formidable duo was running 8 second
ET's in their new Hornet X hatchback in Pro Stock. Dick Maskins is STILL involved in
racing & owns a cylinder head business focused on racing products.
(282) 1974 Matador Coupe twin photo, this was a introduction photo
for AMCs new Matador coupe, the only all new car released in America that year. A nice
unusual twin shot! I believe the vehicle was Sienna Orange.
(300) 1975 NASCAR Pacer Atlanta 500 Pace Car with Bobby Allison. The caption at bottom of photo is "Bobby Allison test drives American Motors' new Pacer" the press photo was for stockholders, but (I understand) also given out at NASCAR events in the 1975 season. The Pacer is logoed up with Atlanta 500, and other decals, but I personally do not know if this car was the actual pace car for that event or sponsored display car, not much is know about the car Allison sitting in; Allison was racing for Penske NASCAR Matadors at this time.
(301) 1975 AMC NASCAR Matador Racing Team: Bobby Allison posing and
smiling like he had drank too much of sponsor's Coca Cola's beverage! This is a legendary
shot of a NASCAR legend. The #16 AMC NASCAR Matador in in the background. Note all the
different sponsors.
(302) 1975 AMX Matador.
This *RARE COLOR* photo is 4 1/2 inches high and 10 inches long. It shows a vehicle
that will confuse many AMC fans: A Mexican VAM built 1975 AMX Matador! Note VAM license
plate and VAM centercaps. AMX is in the stripe on the back, this is what they called the
Matador in Mexico from 74-77. Growing up in Corpus Christi, TX, and having relatives and
traveling to the interior regions of Mexico, I have seen about a dozen of these unusual
AMXs.
(303) 1975 VAM Gremlin. Mexican market Gremlin showing off differences
with American counterpart from rear view, photo is roughly 7x9 and rare color. Appeared in
many Mexican and central American markets for AMC.
(304) 1974 NASCAR Matador Daytona: *RARE COLOR PHOTO* A wonderful shot of
Gary Bettenhausen posing next to the Mighty Matador at Daytona! The stands are full of
race fans, the weather clear, the sky is blue, and the racing was about to begin....
(305) 1975 AMC NASCAR
Matador Racing Team, Southern 500. *VERY RARE COLOR PHOTO* A PLANET HOUSTON AMX
EXCLUSIVE PHOTO. This is from the Lynn Barton Collection. Lynn is holding the flag on the
left. Bobby Allison is holding his daughter and the trophy for winning this NASCAR race!
Note little Davey Allison is next to Bobby in the arm cast, he would develop a huge
following and become a racing legend himself before dying in a crash in the late 90s.
(306) 1975 AMC NASCAR
Matador Racing Team in Pits; Darlington. *VERY RARE COLOR PHOTO* A PLANET HOUSTON
AMX EXCLUSIVE PHOTO, this is from the Lynn Barton collection. Lynn is sitting on the hood
of the car on the left in the pits. Note those crazy AMC logoed pants, do you have a pair?
I have pants, shorts and a vest of this material!
(307) 1975 NASCAR Matador Gassing Up: at Darlington. A PLANET
HOUSTON AMX EXCLUSIVE PHOTO, this is from the Lynn Barton Collection. Lynn is pictured
here with his butt in the air holding the can behind the #16 Matador #16. Crew Chief Woody
Woodson is to the left with blond hair.
(308) 1976 AMC Spirit Indy car, Jerry Sneva. Legendary race car driver Jerry Sneva posing next to the #73 National Engineering/Spirit AMC Indy
car #73 in 1979. This car hit 184mph before dropping a piston and finishing 31st at Indy.
The car sports "AMC EXPERIMENTAL" below the white line below Sneva and on the
rear spoiler is American Motors corporate logo.
(309) 1977 AMC Pacer
station wagon gift with Santa Claus's Elf. Decades before Lexus & their
annoying song and barrage of commercials around Christmas with a bow around their Pacer
looking vehicles came out, AMC did it FIRST. So next time you hear Lexus chimes, think
about this good looking car & equally good looking AMC Elf in your driveway!
(310) 1977 AMC Hornet AMX. Production figures vary on just how many of
these were actually made, some say 5306; others say around 2500. Regardless, it was the
final year for the strong selling Hornet Series, and AMC would go out with a bang with it.
Sure wished they had dropped in the 360 and made available a 4 speed with it! This photo
was release in 1976 by AMC and like many other press release photos, shows a number of
things on the test vehicle that never saw production.
(311) 1978 AMC Concord AMX. The photo was released September 15th, 1977
of the first year Concord, and only year Concord AMX. I have always though this was the
most flowing lines of any later model AMX. Note while you could get the new Concord AMX
with a choice of colors, the black cars had several unique features to them, sort of like
black 71 SC/360 Hornets did! Only 2540 produced, you could get either the 258-6 or 304V8
in one. Less than 200 are know to exist.
(312) 1978 Pacer Coupe In Studio
(313) 1978 Pacer Station Wagon In Studio
(314) 1979 AMC Auto Show Display Unusual
press photo of a American Motors Auto Show Display in 1979. I do not know where this auto
show is/was. In the front is a loaded out Pacer, note sunroof, a seldom seen option on any
AMC; it also sports Rally rims and bumper guards. Behind it is a red AMX with black
and orange stripes. In the rear is AMC's NEW creation which would be a good seller for
them, this is it's 'debut' the new 1979 Spirit. This appears to be light blue with a brown
stripe. Note the huge banner with 'SPIRIT' above it. To the left partially obscured by
mirror and the convention center pole is a Pacer wagon with woodgrain trim. Behind it
appears to be a Eagle wagon, although the Eagle wagon would not be formally introduced
until 1980, it was not uncommon for AMC to load up their auto displays with prototypes to
gauge public reactions!!! Behind it appears to be another Spirit. Note in the background
the "American Motors Corporation/Renault" sign. Chances are there were a number
of Renault models in this display however not in this photo.
(315) 1979 Spirit with Fire. Unusual photo given to shareholders of the
new AMC Spirit in mid 1978, as this new vehicle would begin production Aug 1st,
1978.
(316) 1979 AMC Spirit
AMX First year of the new Spirit, this clean little compact bodystyle sold
well. It was the last year for any AMC V8 powered vehicles. Only 3657 were made, with
about 1/2 of those having the 304V8. A good number of them remain in some form, as racers
love them, especially if stuffing a AMC 401 in one! Photo was released Sepember 3rd, 1978.
Note the 'Flaming Fireball' on the hood, totally different from the 'Flaming Bee' used for
the 77 Hornet AMX and 78 Concord AMX.
(317) 1979 AMC Eagle X-Ray press photo American Motors wonderful 4x4 station wagon introduced in late 1979 as the American Eagle was revolutionary. I have three Eagles and all are driven DAILY in Houston, Texas, quite indestructible vehicles and well ahead of their time. This is a neat AMC 6x9 black and white 'x-ray' cutaway view of the new Eagle showing the all new 4x4 suspension.
(318)
1980 AMC AMX. The Axe had sadly already been given to both
the slow selling AMX and Pacer Series in late 1979, and only those orders were filled that
had already been ordered. Many original brochures and literature for 1980 don't even list,
or show the AMX and Pacer, as AMC was focusing more on their hot selling Spirit,
Concord...and new 1980 Eagle 4X4s. A pathetic 865 80 AMXs were sold, the LOWEST PRODUCTION
of all 1968 thru 70, 1971-74, 1974-77 Mexican AMXs, 1977 AMX, 78 AMX and 79 AMX. You could
only get the 1980 AMX with a 258-6. Less than 100 of these proud AMCs to last wear the AMX
moniker are known to exist.
(319) 81 VAM AMC Lerma Spy photo #1 Extremely rare photo of the "stretched" Spirit in AMC's
Mexico City
skunkworks. This is the only vehicle built in Mexico available in Mexico....in
1981. Not available in any other market, and few AMC fans have ever seen one. Note the
stretched section with Targa on the Lerma, and the drawings in background
on the wall. Photo is about 7x10, black & white. I have a small note from Jorge
Pimentel of VAM (Vehiculos Automotores Mexicano) which is hand written: "Don, I am
very pleased you have interest in "our baby" the line that we call SERIES 95/96.
We still do not have the authority to release the pictures, so please cover up my
reputation. Hope to see you soon, best regards, Jorge" See memo below. .
(320) 81 VAM AMC Lerma Spy photo #2 Extremely rare photo of the
"stretched" Spirit called the LERMA; in AMC's Mexico City skunkworks. This is the only vehicle
built in Mexico available in Mexico....in 1981. Not avaialble
in any other market, and few AMC fans have ever
seen one. Note it is a FOUR DOOR Lerma, and the drawings in background on the wall. Photo is about 7x10, black
& white. I have a small note
from Jorge Pimentel of VAM (Vehiculos Automotores Mexicano) which is hand written: "don, I am very pleased you have
interest in "our baby" the line that we call SERIES 95/96. We still do not
have the authority to release the pictures, so please
cover up my reputation. Hope to see you soon, best
regards, Jorge" See memo below.
81 AMC VAM SPY memo. If the photos above would have leaked to press, Jorge & many of the Mexico City VAM skunkworks crew would have lost their jobs.
(321) 1982 Walker
Brothers AMC & Jeep The
caption on this Press Photo reads: BASIC BLACK---Black Jeep CJ's are becoming increasingly
popular across the country. Like many status trends, this one started in California and
spread nation wide. Prospect Pam Shaffer looks over the field of black Jeep CJ's at Walker
Brothers Inc, a Los Angeles Jeep vehicle dealer. Walker Brothers was one of the highest
volume dealerships on west coast. Note in background beneath the SELECT USED CARS sign you
will find Spirits, Pacers, Gremlins, Eagles, Kammbacks, aMX and even a few more
Jeeps!
(322) 1982 Baltimore Police Department Concord A neat color photo of one of the
many American Motors "fleet" vehicles sold to municipalities in the US and
around world. This is a 1982 AMC Concord DL Police Car from Baltimore Police Department.
Misc.
American Motors President George Romney
Judas Priest 8x10 signed by all five members!
OJ Simpson SS/RS Chevy Camaro before he was murdering people! Signed!